FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 


REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 


BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 


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PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


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& 


APR  2  1934 


THE 


Wreathed  Cross 

AND 

OTHER  POEMS, 

AESTHETIC  AND  RELIGIOUS, 


BY 


Rev.  D.  Y.  IIEISLER,  A.  M., 


AUTHOR    OF    "THE    FATHERS    OF    THE    GERMAN    REFORMED    CHTJBCB    IN 

EUROPE  AN1»  AMERH  A.'-  AND  "  LIFE-1'H  TERES  OF  THE  PRODIGAL 

-ON.  A  GIFT-BOOK  FOR  THE  HELLION." 


"  Gather  up  the  Fragments.'1 


EASTON,  PA. 

FREE   PRE88  -TEAM  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

1  879. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1879, 
By  Rev.  D.  Y.  HEISLER, 

In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


ESTEEMED   FRIEND  AND   PRECEPTOR. 


Prof.  WILLIAM  M.  NEVIN.  Esq., 


iMttk-  Volume 


GRATEFULLY    INSCRIBED. 


PREFACE. 


This  unpretending  little  volume  is  made  up  of  Poems  written 
during  my  leisure  hours,  and,  with  slight  exceptions,  in  the  ex- 
act order  in  which  they  are  now  published.  Quite  a  number  of 
them  were  composed  on  special  occasions,  and  by  request ;  some 
of  them  for  children  and  young  persons,  which,  accordingly,  are 
gotten  up  in  a  style  and  language  adapted  to  the  taste  and  capac- 
ities of  the  parties  for  whom  they  were  designed.  This  fact  will 
account  for  the  peculiar  style  and  versification  of  some  of  the 
pieces.  They  are  the  simple  echoes  of  the  heart,  and  now  come 
before  the  public  without  any  pretensions — claiming  no  special 
merit,  either  literary  or  poetic.  All  they  seek,  is,  to  be  useful 
and  entertaining  to  persons  of  a  chaste  and  earnest  spirit,  by  pre- 
senting important  popular  and  religious  truths  in  language,  sim- 
ple, direct,  and  pleasing— aided  by  rythm  and  numbers. 

For  reasons  which  are  deemed  satisfactory,  a  few  very  early 
productions  have  been  retained  ;  for  which  we  beg  the  reader's 
indulgence.  it  i->  hard  to  disown  a  child,  however  uncomely  it 
may  be.  The  book,  indeed,  doe>  not  profess  to  be  a  selection  of 
choice  Poems,  only,  but  rather  an  artless  collection  of  fugitive 
given  very  much  in  the  form  and  order  in  which  they  were 
composed.  We  ask  that  this  fact  may  be  kept  in  mind  while 
forming  a  judgment  on  their  merits.  The  word  AESTHETIC, 
found  ;>n  the  Title-page,  is  employed  to  designate  those  piece-, 
which,  though  not  strictly  religious,  do  yet  treat  of  the  true  and 
beautiful  in  Nature  and  Providence,  and,  therefore,  ought  not  to 
matized  as  profane,  or  secular,  even,  in  the  popular  sense  of 


these  terms.  They  come  legitimately  within  the  sphere  of  the 
human,  the  ethical,  the  aesthetic,  being,  in  their  nature  and  ten- 
dency, pure,  chaste,  elevating,  and  refining  ! 

Whilst  the  language  and  style,  as  well  as  the  subjects  of  the 
several  compositions,  are,  thus,  simple  and  unpretending,  it  is 
nevertheless  hoped  that  they  will  not  be  found  wanting  in  that 
refinement  and  delicacy  of  feeling  and  sentiment,  and  that  chaste- 
ness  of  thought  and  expression,  which  are  classed  among  the 
chief  elements  of  true  poetry. 

The  publication  of  these  Poems,  it  may  be  added,  is  owing  to 
the  partiality  and  expressed  wishes  of  a  few  personal  friends,  fully 
as  much  as  to  the  Author's  own  judgment  of  propriety  and  duty  in 
the  case.  His  only  wish,  now,  is — that,  in  their  present  form, 
they  may  serve  to  amuse  and  gratify  these  special  and  interested 
friends,  and,  at  the  same  time,  afford  true  comfort  and  spiritual 
edification  to  his  fellow  pilgrim^  generally,  on  Life's  weary  way — 
to  the  praise  and  glory  of  Him  "from  whom  cometh  down  every 
good  and  perfect  gift." 

E aston,  Pa.,  Easter  Monday,  1879. 


CONTENTS. 


Dedication 3 

Preface 5 

Proem— Excelsior 11 

The  Wreathed  Cross 13 

Meditation — A  Soliloquy :..  IT 

Tin-  Date  Palm 19 

Childhood 22 

d  Jesus 24 

The  Nativity 25 

Rest  for  the  Weary 26 

New-year's  Vision' 27 

The  Epiphany 30 

Slaughter  <>f  the  Innocents. 33 

The  Flight  into  E£ypt 34 

-Fear  not  little  Flock" 37 

Dan-  to  do  Right 39 

39 

Love  your  Home 

Around  the  Altar  Twining 42 

The  Last  Supper IS 

Gathering  in  the  Rose-buds u 

The  Happy  Choice 4»; 

••  Thou  art  bo  Sweet" 18 

Tekel :  or,  The  Sinner  Tested 50 

Comforts  of  Religion 52 

Thine  Alone 


viii                                                   CONTEXTS. 

Praise  the  Lord 

.",4 

'Tis  not  in  Vain .v> 

The  Christian's  Inheritance.. 

56 

Praise  in  Nature  

Contrast  in  Death 

58 

Triumphs  of  the  Gospel 

(il 

Carrier's  Address    

(•>•> 

Bartimeus:  or,  Jesus  and  the 

Gratitude 

Blind  Man 

(if, 

Lines  for  an  Album 

70 

The  Rich  Man  and  Lazarus... 

71 

Christian  Union— To  a  Friend 
The  Sinner  Saved 

at  Parting 

7") 

Worth  of  the  Bible 

76 

Child's  Morning  Hvmn 

The  Victor  slain 

7^ 

Child's  Evening  Hvmn 

so 

Sweet  Surprise 

81 

The  Sabbath 

83 

Invocation 

84 

Storm  at  Sea 

Spring 



87 

Visions  of  Heaven 

89 

Poses  on  a  ( J  rave  

:....  00 

The  Voice  of  Praise 

00 

Lost  ami  Saved  

01 

Jesus  All  in  All 

The  ('harms  of  Religion 

93 

04 

Glory  of  the  Cross 

05 

Where  are  Thev? 

96 

New-vear's  Greeting 

Blest  in  Christ  100 

Acrostic— Impromptu 101 

The  Caged  Dove 102 

Child's  Dedication  Hymn 104 

Lines  on  the  Above 105 

Lines  to  a  Bereaved  Sister 106 


«  0  \  I  IX 

Panchari — a  paraphrase 107 

Welcome  to  "  X.  V.  Z. "  the  Second 109 

Don't  Al    b         s  Sportive  Day ll<> 

-   112 

114 

Martyr  Hymn  of  the  Early  Church 117 

Grabschrift lis 

Ilyinn  of  >t.  Clement 118 

Heaven 120 

The  Marys  at  the  Saviour's  Tomb 121 

ritt 122 

Dare  t<»  be  True 122 

Album— •White"' 123 

The  Pilg       s*  Song  1-4 

Happy  in  God'a  Love 129 

-     irce  of  Blis-  131 

Thy  Pe  135 

From  Forty-nine  to  Fifty 134 

For  an  Album 138 

I  wish  her  Dream  were  True 139 

Women 14<» 

Christ  appearing  to  the  two  Mary- 141 

Cantique  du  Veteran 14". 

Impromptu  on  Writings  Composition 144 

the  Magi 144 

Lines  on  Faith 14"> 

•  lit 147 

r  Lizzie 14v 

T..  my  Wife 14«.» 

They  A  150 

Dedication  for  an  Album 15(2 

Leemer 152 

Ministers  of  Christ 153 

TheAn§  -  153 

s 154 

1~>7 

Something  for  Children 158 


X  CONTEXTS. 

Our  Sainted  Loved  Ones 159 

The  Good  Mans  Life.-. 161 

The  Servants  of  Christ 161 

Lines  on  the  Fable  of  the  Rain  Drops 162 

Thy  Will  be  Done 163 

Alles  ist  Eitel— Ein  Traum 165 

The  Home  Above 167 

Inscription 167 

On  losing  a  check  sent  by  Mail 168 

Lines  for  an  Autograph  Album 169 

Alienation  of  my  Signature 169 

The  Katydid 170 

••  Pearl  of  the  Park" 172 

The  Whip-poor-will 17") 

To  my  Xiece 177 

The  Golden  Wedding 178 

The  Olive  Tree 179 

The  Christian  Home 181 

Our  little  Winged  Pets 183 

"  Mother,  Home,  and  Heaven'" 18-5 

Dedication  for  an  Autograph  Album 186 

The  Reapers 186 

The  Sower  and  the  Seed 188 

The  Morning  Cometh,  and  also  the  Night 189 

Behold!  I  Come  Quickly 191 

Lines  on  Death 193 

Reflections  on  the  Resurrection 195 

Heaven  :  or,  the  Everlasting  Rest 196 


PROEM— EXCELSIOR. 

The  mind  plays  queen— her  Empire  wide  and  firm. 
Her  Coronet  of  sparkling  gems  and  gold — 
Her  Sceptre  mightv,  and  her  sway  supreme  : 
Endowed  with  rarest  gifts — with  potencies 
On  the  realms  supernal  well-nigh  trenching. 
Yet.  crude  and  primitive,  the  mind  is  weak. 
Shackled,  and  in  its  progress  staved — inapt, 
"And  of  its  dole  restrict."' — Immured  within 
Its  prison-house  of  clay,  and  captive  held. 
Impatient  tho'  it  yearns  and  frets — it  can't 
Exert  at  once,  its  own  sweet  native  force  : 
Its  range,  conditioned,  widens  by  degrees. 
At  times,  indeed,  it  mounts  with  eagle-wing 
The  whirlwinds  dizzy  chariot,  and,  enshrined 
In  royal  state,  brings  forth,  in  splendid  forms. 
The  lofty  thoughts  imagination  moulds  ! 
At  times,  again,  descending  deep  to  scenes 
Of  philosophic  strife,  it  fain  would  pluck 
From  off  the  sacred  shrine  the  golden  fruit. 
But  flights,  like  these,  and  dives  to  regions  deep. 
Where  Nature's  scenes,  sublime,  enchant  the  soul. 
Belong,  alas,  to  minds  mature  and  cultured. 
Skilled  in  lofty  science — enriched  with  stores 
Of  ancient  and  of  modern  lore,  high-prized. 
The  progress,  which,  in  mounting  step  by  step 
The  giddy  heights  of  truth  and  knowledge  deep. 


PROEM EXCELSIOR. 

The  mind  achieves,  these  pages  fain  would  show. 
At  diff'rent  points  of  life,  my  pen  shall  draw 
Some  pictures  to  mark  the  mental  vigor — 
Some  lines  by  which,  hereafter,  I  may  trace 
The  progress  of  the  mind  ;  and,  while  I  thus 
Record  its  silent  growth,  may  all  conspire 
To  fill,  with  sentiments  of  grateful  love. 
My  soul,  elate  for  God's  rich  bounty  shared, 
And  crown  with  honors  high  my  blessed  Lord  ! 


0  Lamb  of  God — the  pure — 

I  long  for  Thee  alone. 
Thy  blood  doth  peace  secure, 

Thv  wounds  for  sin  atone  5 
And,  counting  all  things  loss, 

I  fix  my  hopes  above, 
And  twine  around  Thy  cross 

A  wreath  of  purest  love  ! 

When  Badness  o'er  me  creeps, 

And  gloomy  shades  prevail, 
When  night  its  vigil  keeps, 

And  passions  fierce  assail — 
Then,  1  Nearest  Jesns,  be 

My  soul's  sweet  morning  star: 
Thy  light  shall  comfort  me, 

Bright  gleaming  from  afar! 


14  THE    WREATHED  CROSS. 

Around  the  hallowed  cross 

The  heart's  affections  twine, 
And,  midst  the  heaviest  loss. 

Their  gushing  streams  combine ; 
They  form  a  mighty  flood, 

"With  genial  warmth  aglow, 
And  find,  in  Jesus'  blood, 

A  sweet  and  placid  flow! 

0  wondrous  cross — to  me 
The  source  of  purest  joy — 

From  condemnation  free, 

Sweet  tho'ts  my  heart  employ. 

1  upward  look  to  Thee, 

0  Lamb  of  God,  most  dear, 
And,  in  Life\s  book,  I  see 
My  pardon  full  and  clear! 

When  light  within  doth  shine, 

And  sheds  sweet  comfort  round, 
When  every  blessing's  mine, 

And  joys  supreme  abound — 
'Tis,  then,  I  think  of  Thee, 

Dear  Jesus,  and  Thy  cross, 
And,  0,  this  comforts  me, 

My  gain  stands  in  Thy  loss  ! 

When  days  grow  dark  and  drear, 

And  nights  are  thick  with  gloom, 
"When  friends  nor  pleasures  cheer, 

Xor  peace  in  me  finds  room, 
0,  then,  I  turn  mine  eyes 

To  dear  Golgotha's  brow, 
And  every  shadow  flies — 

Sweet  peace  is  round  me  now ! 


Tin;    WREATHED  CROSS.  15 

Thy  bleeding  love,  dear  Lord, 

Mv  trembling  soul  assures. 
The  promise  of  Thy  word 

My  1'ui urc  bliss  secures  ; 
For,  in  Thy  wondrous  en 

With  sacred  blood  bedewed, 
I  hail.  'midst  outward  loss, 

Mv  inner  life  renewed  ! 

What  honors  shall  I  bring, 

Dear  Saviour,  to  Thy  name  ? 
What  anthems  shall  I  sin^- 

To  Thee  of  ancient  fame  ? 
My  h< -art.  aglow  with  love, 

To  highest  praise  aspires, 
And,  from  the  realms  above, 

Thy  life  my  spirit  fires  ! 

0  wondrous  gift  to  me, 

This  gift  of  life  divine, 
Conjoined  my  soul  with  Thee, 

Make  Thou  me  wholly  Thine  ; 
My  life  I  bring  to  Thee, 

Xor  aught  esteem  I  loss, 
For  what  is  dear  to  me, 

I  twine  around  Thy  cross  ! 

And.  if.  with  care-  oppr< 

I  wander  here  and  there, 
And  find  no  soothing  rest, 

Xo  answer  to  my  prav"r. 
Then,  hail  I  Jesus,  slain, 

1  on  the  crimson  cross  ; 
And  gladly  count  that  gain 

Which  was  my  greatest  I 


16  THE    WREATHED  CROSS. 

Mv  heart,  now  calm  and  free, 

Is  filled  with  love  divine, 
And,  gazing  still  on  Thee, 

I  hail  Theer  Jesus,  mine  : 
Then  round  the  cross  is  seen 

A  halo  bright  and  fair. 
And  earth  and  sky,  I  ween, 

Are  bathed  in  fulgent  air  I 

How  sweet  is  life,  and  bright, 
"When  Thv  free  o-race  is  nio'h  : 

o  e      > 

How  soft  and  clear  the  light. 

Which  cometh  from  on  high  ; 
And  yet,  my  dearest  Lord. 

I  need  Thee  every  hour, 
I  need  Thy  conq'ring  word, 

I  need  Thy  saving  power  I 

When  Death,  with  sable  wing. 

Sweeps  o'er  my  pilgrim  way  5 
When  foes  to  conflict  bring 

Their  hosts  in  fierce  array — 
Then,  Christ,  in  Thee  secure, 

I'll  hasten  to  Thy  cross — 
Thy  blood  doth  make  me  pure, 

Thy  grace  repairs  my  loss  ! 

At  length,  when  life  is  o'er, 

And  all  its  tears  are  shed, 
When  placed  on  Canaan's  shore, 

Amid  the  sainted  dead — 
Then,  Jesus,  free  from  dross, 

I'll  worship  Thee  above, 
And  twine  around  Thy  cross 

A  wreath  of  perfect  love  ! 


MEDITATIONS— A  SOLILOQUY. 

Infinite  Goodness!  Bay,  what  meed  of  praise, 

What  love,  what  gratitude  is  due  Thy  grace? 
What  sentiments  should  in  my  bosom  glow, 

And  from  my  pen  what  tho'ts  exclusive  flow? 

When  all  Thy  varied  mercies  I  review — 
Thy  kindness  shown,  each  morn  and  evening  new. 
Each  want  supplied  from  out  Thy  boundless  stores, 
Mv  heart  overflows,  my  wondering  soul  adores  ! 

And  shall  I  hush? — conceal  these  gifts  divine, 
And  in  this  swelling  heart  my  tho'ts  confine? 
Or  >hall  I  speak  Thy  love — Thy  grace  declare. 
And  with  me  cause  each,  all,  these  gifts  to  share? 

Great  source  of  Light — do  Thou  my  bosom  fill 
With  tho'ts  that  live  and  gently  sway  the  will : 
And  may  my  soul — illumined  from  above, 
Incessant  feel  and  gladly  speak  Thy  love! 

Where'er  I  stray  or  turn  my  ravished  eyes, 
Such  Bcenes  of  grandeur  to  my  vision  rist — 
Such  beauty,  grace,  and  loveliness  combine, 
A-  -how  the  hand  that  made  them  is  divine  I 

Eere  <>n  this  earth  and  in  yon  vaulted  sky. 
A  thousand  tokens  of  Thy  Love  I  'spy, — 
Each  twinkling  Star  appear-  a  gem  of  light, 
To  beautify  tin-  varied  Bcenes  of  night. 


18  MEDITATIONS. 

And,  0,  when  I  with  steady  gaze  survey 
The  radiant  scenes  of  night  and  charms  of  day, 
My  spirit,  winged  with  rays  of  purest  love, 
In  vision  soars  to  sweetest  joys  above  ! 

Yet  other  wonders,  more  stupendous  still, 
Do  the  blest  pages  of  Thy  volume  fill — 
'Tis  there,  I  ween,  the  depths  of  love  divine 
Do  in  their  most  resplendent  beauties  shine ! 

7Tis  there  we  learn — the  only  wisdom  this — 
The  way  to  present  joy  and  future  bliss  ; 
How  sinners  lost  may  be  restored  to  God 
And  saved  by  virtue  of  redeeming  blood ! 

How  condescending  and  how  strangely  kind 
Seems  the  Divine  Restorer  of  mankind  • 
His  love  so  boundless,  so  exceeding  great, 
He  died — to  glory  changed  our  vile  estate ! 

?Twas  not  for  self  the  Son  of  God  came  down, 
And  cheerful  wore  on  earth  the  Martyrs  crown ; 
His  loving  Heart,  by  pure  compassion  moved, 
Urged  him  to  leave  what  He  so  dearly  loved. 

He  left  his  Home  on  high,  and  here  became 
A  man  of  deepest  sorrow,  grief  and  shame  ; 
Betrayed  by  secret  foes — by  friends  denied. 
To  court  and  judgment  led — then  crucified  ! 

My  dearest  Lord — my  Saviour  and  my  God, 
What  varied  paths  of  anguish  hast  Thou  trod, 
And  yet  how  feebly  burns  the  flame  of  love, 
0  take  my  Heart — fix  all  my  thoughts  above  ! 


THE    DATE    PALM.  19 

'Mid  trials  smv  an<l  persecution's  frown, 

Help  in*-  to  wear,  with  Thee,  the  thorny  crown: 

And  wlu-n  Life's  every  ill  Fve  meekly  borne, 

Then  take  me,  Lord,  where  mourn  to  mourn. 


THE  DATE    PALM. 

Majestic — in  the  barren  waste — 

The  Date  Palm  springeth  up  in  hasi 
Straight,  as  an  arrow  Bhot  from  bow, 

Doth  it.  the  prince  of  fruit  trees  grow, 
In  verdure  fair,  'mid  burning  sands. 
The  pride  ami  boast  of  desert  stand-: 
As  upward  to  the  clouds  it  .-li- 
lt, also,  deeply  strikes  its  roots. 
'Tis  needful  that  its  base  be  firm 
To  guarranty  a  lengthened  term  : 
For,  when  the  tree  so  lofty  grow-. 
The  tempest,  also,  rudely  blov 
And.  then,  the  tree,  so  slim  and  straight, 
Disports  a  top  of  extra  weight — 
The  trunk  encircling  far  aloft. 
Are  leaves,  amazing,  thick  and  s 
And  then  the  fruit,  in  clusters  found, 

-  thick  and  close  the  tret-  around. 
Which,  as  it  may  he  well  suppofi 
[e     :v  to  passing  winds  exposed; 

eping  o'er  the  arid  plain, 
And.  all  things  striking  in  their  train. 
Would  hurl  the  giant  to  the  ground. 
^  ere  not  its  m<  lid  found. 

But,  most  of  all.  the  tree,  designed 
For  wand'ring  hordes  to  wild-  assigned, 


20  THE    DATE    PALM. 

Is  thus  conserved  and  useful  made, 

With  food  uniting  grateful  shade  ; 

And,  groaning  'neath  its  precious  boon, 

It,  sheltering,  cheers  the  heart  at  noon  ; 

And  eve  and  morn  the  Bedouin 

For  food  and  shelter  there  is  seen. 

These  children  of  the  desert  wild, 

By  its  sweet  umbrage  thus  beguiled, 

And,  feasting  on  its  luscious  fruit, 

Make  it  the  object  of  pursuit — 

Accounting  it  the  richest  boon, 

A  grateful  screen  from  sun  and  moon  ; 

For,  pleasant  tho7  its  fruit  may  be, 

Its  cooling  shade,  as  each  can  see, 

Is  equally  as  dear  to  them — 

The  wandering,  restless  sons  of  Shem. 

But,  Oh !  the  wonders  of  this  tree, 

Are  greater  yet  by  far,  you  see, 

For  every  part  is  useful  found, 

From  top  e'en  down  unto  the  ground  : 

The  trunk  elastic  wood  doth  yield, 

To  furnish  them  with  bow  and  shield  ; 

The  bark  is  twisted  into  cords, 

To  string  the  bows  of  savage  lords  ; 

The  leaves,  to  roof  the  tents,  are  spread, 

Or,  beaten  soft,  they  form  their  bed  ; 

The  fruit  yields  them  a  grateful  drink 

Which  helps  the  Arab  mind  to  think  ; 

Xor  prize  they  wine  and  date  alone, 

A  usance  greater  far  they  own  ; 

The  seeds,  esteemed  of  equal  good, 

Do  form  the  patient  camel's  food. 

But  who  may  venture,  thus,  to  state 

The  endless  uses  of  the  Date  ? 

It  comfort  bfrings  to  man  and  beast, 


THE    DATE    PALM.  -1 

And  in  tlit-  deseii  spreads  a  f< 
Its  wondrous  ases,  Arabs  Bay, 
An — one  to  each  recurring  day: 
Three  hundred,  thus,  and  sixty-five, 
Which  keep  them  all  the'year  alive. 
No  marvel,  then,  that  they  should  call 
The  Palm — the  noblest  tree  of  all. 
Esteem  it  God's  best  gift  to  them. 
The  wild  and  roving  sons  of  Shem  : 
And  lor  it  yield,  with  hearts  elate, 
Their  thanks  each  day  to  Allah  great ! 

REFLECTION'S. 

Majestic  Tree  ! — In  deserts  wild. 

Men  laud  thee  for  thy  gifts  so  mild  5 

Nor  would  to  thee  our  hearts  deny 

This  tribute  of  laudations  high  : 

F>»r  great  thy  patent  virtues  are, 

And  hidden  ones  surpass  them  far, 

If  not  in  number,  yet  in  grade — 

Of  nobler  things  the  emblems  made. 

The  trunk,  so  lofty  and  so  straight. 

Doth  show  the  Christian's  high  estate  : 

Thy  leaves  and  branches,  up  so  far. 

The  signet  of  his  virtues  are; 

Thy  luscious  fruit,  so  rich  and  sweet, 

Yields  of  his  life  an  emblem  meet; 

Thy  branches,  in  their  fadeless  green, 

Are  oft  in  glad  processions  seen  : 

Thus,  when  the  Lord.  His  labors  closed, 

To  enter  Salem's  gates  proposed, 

His  princely  honor  to  maintain. 

Thy  branches  graced  the  royal  train  : 

For  multitudes,  on  that  bright  day. 

With  palm  and  vestments  strewed  the  way  ! 

Yet  further,  still,  thy  fame  extends 


22  CHILDHOOD. 

To  higher  worlds  and  nobler  ends  -7 
For,  when  His  glories  were  displayed, 
By  Saints,  in  snow-white  robes  arrayed. 
Then  of  that  bright,  triumphant  band 
Each  one  a  palm-branch  bore  in  hand  : 
The  Palm — a  sign  of  vict'rv  gained, 
The  glist 'ning  robes  of  bliss  obtained! 
Their  robes  made  white  in  Jesns"  blood, 
Their  vict'rv  speaks  the  purple  flood  j 
And  cross  and  crown,  in  sweet  accord, 
Bear  witness  to  our  blessed  Lord, 
While  robes  of  white  and  branches  green. 
As  emblems  of  His  work,  are  seen  : 
The  Palm  is,  thus,  in  honor  found — 
In  em'rald  wreaths  the  cross  around ! 


CHILDHOOD. 


When  Fancy  sweeps  the  distant  past. 

And  wakes  to  life  what  happened  then, 
The  fairy  things  appear  so  fast 

That  they  defy  the  readiest  pen  ; 
Each  moment  brings  some  magic  form 

With  rain-bow  tints  all  fair  and  bright : 
The  day  knows  naught  of  cloud  or  storm, 

And  moon  and  stars  illume  the  night ! 

How  radiant  shines  the  rising  sun — 

How  soft  and  fair  the  landscape  round ! 
How  sweet  the  hours,  and  full  of  fun, 

And  woods  and  hills  with  song  resound  ! 
Sweet  days  of  Childhood  !   0  how  dear 

That  age  so  free  from  sin  and  care  ! 
How  brilliant  all  things  then  appear, 

How  well  the  little  pilgrims  fare  ! 


CHILDHOOD.  23 

Their  joys,  at  early  morn  begun, 

Are  glowing  yet  at  day's  decline; 
Ami  e'en  the  gleams  of  setting  sun 

Still  in  their  hearts  effulgent  shine. 
How  happy,  thus,  at  (lawn  ofday, 

When  Nature  Beems  bo  bright  and  fair, 
How  Bpry  and  blithesome  in  their  play, 

With  hearts  as  free  and  light  as  air  ! 

Out  in  the  fields  and  meadows,  they 

With  agile  limbs  and  spirits  high, 
Pursue  the  gold-wing'd  bugs  of  May, 

Or  chase  the  painted  butterfly: 
Sweet  roses,  found  in  hedge  or  field, 

With  eager  haste  they  gather  there, 
And  bogs  and  fens  must  likewise  yield 

Their  share  of  lilies  pure  and  fair! 

Thus,  roaming  gay,  o'er  hill  and  dale, 

They  make  the  boundless  forest  ring, 
With  sportive  shouts  their  hearts  regale. 

And,  laughing,  their  sweet  ditties  sing. 
The  trees  must  cater  to  their  wants. 

The  festooned  vines  afford  a  swing. 
And  bush  and  bough,  in  gloomy  haunts, 

Must  each  its  share  of  pleasure  bring. 

Sweet  age  of  innocence  and  joy — 

Of  festive  days  and  dreamless  nights, 
What  sorrow  can  thy  peace  destroy, 

What  grief  alloy  thy  pure  delig 
How.  often,  from  Life's  Bcenes  of  care, 

My  Longing  heart  revert-  to  thee, 
Once  more  thy  peerless  joys  to  Bhare, 

While  mingling  in  thy  childish  gl< 


24  CHILDHOOD. 

0  could  we  but  this  scene  prolong, 
And  still  possess,  without  alloy. 

The  gladsome  hours,  the  thrill,  the  song, 
The  echo  of  that  earlier  joy  I 

Ah !  could  we  but  in  fancy  bring 
Those  fragrant  seasons  back  again, 

How  would  we  then  rejoice  and  sing, 
And,  rapt,  forget  each  tort'ring  pain  ! 

Blest  time  of  innocence  and  love, 

So  like  that  primal  age  of  earth, 
When,  in  each  fragrant  field  and  grove, 

Was  heard  the  voice  of  sacred  mirth  ; 
When  ev'rv  tree,  and  shrub,  and  flower, 

In  ceaseless  flow,  sweet  incense  breathed, 
And  in,  and  through  fair  Eden's  bowTr, 

Each  object  was  in  beauty  wreathed ! 

That  season  ne'er  shall  come  again, 
To  bring  its  sweet  enjoyments  back  j 

My  time  is  that  of  grief  and  pain, 
In  comforts  tho'  it  doth  not  lack ; 

But,  looking  o'er  the  beauteous  past, 
In  fancy,  free  from  sin  and  pain, 

1  hope,  thro'  grace  divine,  at  last 

To  be  a  child  in  truth  again  ! 


ASLEEP  IN  JESUS. 

There  is  a  calm,  a  sweet  repose 

For  those  who  sleep  in  Jesus  blest : 

They  safely  'bide,  secure  from  foes, 
And  on  the  Saviour's  bosom  rest. 


THE  NATIVITY. 

The  shepherds,  'neath  an  Eastern  sky. 

Were  watching  o'er  their  flocks  by  night, 
When,  suddenly,  there  gleamed  on  high 

A  splendor  'bove  the  noon-day  light ; 
For,  lo,  an  Angel  from  the  throne 

In  glory  came  upon  them  there ; 
A  heavenly  light  around  them  shone, 

And  they,  afraid,  the  glory  share ! 

Then  kindly  did  the  Angel  say — 

u  Fear  not,  glad  tidings  you  I  bring  5 
For  unto  you  is  born  to-day 

In  Bethlehem  a  Saviour — king, 
Great  joy  and  gladness  now  shall  see, 

All  kindred  tribes  of  human  kind; 
And  of  thia  joy — the  sign  shall  be 

Id  mange r  that  the  babe  ye  find." 

The  story  scarcely  had  been  told, 

When  brilliant  forms  swept  o'er  the  plain 
A  multitude  their  Prince  enfold. 

Loud  praising  God  in  lofty  strain. 
Exultant  shouting — as  they  sang — 

u  Be  glory  now  to  God  most  High," 
"And  peace  on  earth.'"  the  chorua  rang) 

u  Good  will  to  men,"  both  far  and  nigh  I 


! 

26                                                     THE    NATIVITY. 

Soon  as  the  charming-  song  had  ceased. 

And  angel-bands  to  heavTn  were  gone, 

The  shepherds,  from  their  spell  released. 

Were,  thoughtful,  left  to  muse  alone  j 

And  each,  instinctive,  said  and  though t, 

"Come  now — letTs  go  to  Bethlehem, 

There  see  the  wonder  God  hath  wrought, 

The  wonder  God  hath  wrought  for  men  Fr 

Still  prompted  by  thT  angelic  song, 

The  shepherds  haste  to  reach  the  spot, 

And,  by  the  spirit  borne  alongr 

Their  feet,  so  nimble,  weary  not ; 

Anon  they  reach  the  destined  place, 

Their  joy — what  mortal  can  define? 

The  AngePs  word,  fulfilled,  they  trace. 

With  Mary  find  the  babe  Divine  I 

0  wondrous  sight !  0  bliss  divine ! 

With  sacred  joy  their  hearts  orerflow, 

Th7  incarnate  myst'ry  they  opine, 

And  worship  Jesus — bending  low  -? 

Then  hastening  to  their  tented  fields, 

They  all  along  the  news  proclaim  -7 

Enraptured,  glad,  each  bosom  yields 

A  grateful  song  to  Jesus7  Name  I 

REST  FOR  THE  WEARY. 

There  is  for  weary  pilgrims  found 

A  rest  from  all  their  toils  and  cares, 

A  Home,  where  joys  supreme  abound, 

A  bliss,  wherein  each  wandTrer  shares ; 

To  this  dear  rest — this  home  above, 

Are  gathered  all  the  sons  of  love  ! 

NEW-YEAE'S  VISION. 

Once  struggling  up  a  rugged  steep, 

What  time  I  cannot  say, 
I  reached  the  mountain's  lofty  peak, 

Thence  sloping  either  way — 
And  down  the  hill  on  either  side 

I  saw  a  spacious  plain, 
It  seemed  much  like  a  chequer-board, 

Tho'  not  alike  the  TWAIN  : 

The  one,  o'erhung  by  gloomy  shades, 

Without  ONE  brilliant  ray. 
The  only  Light  by  mortals  seen, 

Was  like  to  "dawn  of  day;" 
The  other,  'neath  a  cloudless  sky, 

Was  brighter  far,  and  fair, 
And  yet  the  plain  seemed  varied  by 

A  shadow  here  and  there ! 

Across  this  chequered  plain  I  'spied 

The  pathway  trod  by  me  ; 
The  length — -if  I  remember  riofht — 

Waa  thirty  miles  and  three; 
Enough — my  sluggish  spirit  seemed 

Aroused  to  strong  desire, 
And  in  my  wajdng  eyes  now  beamed 

The  meditative  fire. 


28  new-year's  yisiox. 

While  gazing  pensive  on  the  scsnes, 

Which  'round  this  pathway  lay, 
And  anxiously  concerned  to  know 

How  I  had  passed  that  way  j 
An  Angel,  clothed  in  purest  white. 

Stood  by — with  wisdom  rife — 
And  kindly  offered  to  unfold 

The  myst'ry  of  my  life  ! 

He  gently  raised  his  hand  and  said 

"  Far  yonder — do  you  see 
A  spot  in  richest  garb  arrayed, 

From  sorrows  mostly  free, 
And,  in  that  spot  of  innocence, 

An  object  strange  and  new, 
An  ixfaxt  watched  by  Providence, 

That  infant  once  were  you  ! 

11  The  garden  gate  is  open  wide, 

The  infant,  now  a  boy, 
Is  out  among  the  pit-falls  seen, 

Of  laughter  full  and  joy — 
E'en  there  God's  arm  protected  him, 

But  how  no  mortal  knew, 
Unharmed  the  wayward  boy  is  seen, 

That  wayward  boy — were  you  ! 

"  Full  out  upon  Life's  chequered  plain, 

More  perilous  than  all, 
Behold  what  crowds  of  heedless  youth 

Are  yearly  seen  to  fall ; 
But  oxe,  by  sovereign  grace,  is  seen 

In  Christ  created  new ; 
That  rescued  one — 0  favored  youth — 

That  rescued  one — were  you ! 


nkw-vkak's    vision.  •_!:» 

"  And  now  upon  this  lofty  ridge, 

( >f  manhood's  riper  years, 
Review  Life's  imperfections  all. 

With  penitential  tears — 
And.  0,  with  manly  gratitude 

In  every  such  review. 
Confess  the  Grace  of  Him  who  could 

Such  mercy  grant  to  you  !" 

Thus  far  the  Angel  :     When  he  ceased 

My  heart  grew  faint  within  : 
T  saw  me,  with  a  vasty  crowd. 

Still  here  exposed  to  sin — 
While  down  on  yonder  side  the  ridge, 

Dark  lay  the  gloomy  plain  : 
I  begged  him  to  my  friends  and  me 

The  future  to  explain. 

In  answer  to  my  earnest  pray'r. 

The  Angel  friend  replied  ; 
•'  To  mortals  what  is  future  yet, 

Is  wisely  here  denied — 
Be  quiet,  then,  and  childlike  look 

To  Him  alone  who  know-  . 
Whatever  lies  within  this  plain 

The  Future  will  disclose  ! 

"  One  thing  or  two  I  fain  would  tell, 

And  solemn  things  they  are, 
How  sinners  may  escape  from  hell, 

And  life  eternal  share  ; 
One  Light — the  light  of  life — is  come 

To  chase  the  gloom  away, 
And  thro'  the  darkest  shades  of  night 

To  lead  to  endless  day. 


30  THE    EPIPHAXY. 

"  God,  in  the  gospel  of  His  Son, 

Invites  His  children  home, 
And  offers  '  grace'  to  cheer  them  on. 

Each  foe  to  overcome  ; 
Gives  Faith  to  conquer  death  and  hell. 

And  Hope  to  make  them  strong, 
And  Love,  the  bond  of  perfectness, 

To  bind  the  happy  throng. 

And  see  what  boundless  stores  of  grace 

In  Jesus  Christ  are  found, 
Life,  peace,  and  joy  to  every  soul, 

That  hears  the  blissful  souud ; 
And  in  His  Word  the  choicest  rules 

To  mortal  man  are  given — 
Directions  how  to  walk  secure 

Thro'  yonder  plain  to  Heaven  !" 

'Tis  well — I  knew  it  must  be  so 

Just  as  the  Angel  said  ; 
'Tis  rashness  to  attempt  to  know 

That  which  is  future  yet ; 
0  God  !  may  I  be  satisfied 

With  what  each  good  man  hath, 
Thy  Word — "a  lamp  to  guide  my  feet, 

A  LIGHT  UNTO  MY  PATH." 


THE  EPIPHAXY. 

Sages — from  the  Orient  far — 
Gazing  on  the  azure  dome. 

Saw  a  strange — a  wondrous  star 
Lurinpr  them  awav  from  home  : 


THK     BPIPHAVT.  .".1 

For  it  -pake  of  <  >ne  who  came 

To  fulfill  the  hopes  of  old. 
What  the  Seera  in  vision  claim. 
What  the  prophet-  had  foretold. 

In  the  clear  nocturnal  sky 

Still  they  saw  the  triple  star, 
Shining  in  its  sphere  bo  high. 

Shining  near  and  shining  far  : 
Dreams  of  ancient  visions  came 

Floating  on  the  midnight  air. 
Kindling  in  their  hearts  a  flame 

Pure  and  lofty — bright  and  fair  ! 

Ha -ting  they — the  mystic  three — 

Magi  high  in  story  famed. 
Came  the  wond'rous  child  to  see, 

Child  in  vision  Jesus  named ; 
When  the  promised  babe  was  born. 

Born  a  king  in  Bethlehem. 
On  that  fair  and  brightest  morn 

Came  the  Orient  sons  of  Shem  ! 

Joyous,  bright,  the  Magi  came, 

Came,  in  eager  haste,  to  seek — 
Seek  Him  of  the  mystic  name, 

Born  a  king,  so  mild  and  meek  : 
"  In  the  East,  His  star  we've  seen — 

Seen  it  brilliant,  seen  it  dim ; 
Guided  by  the  radiant  sheen, 

We  have  come  to  worship  Him  !" 

Vexed,  alarmed,  the  tyrant  king, 

Greatly  moved,  the  story  hears. 
Learned  Rabbies  doth  he  bring 

To  allay  his  doubts  and  fears ; 


I 

32  THE     EPIPHANY, 


And  of  them  doth  now  demand 
Where  Messiah  should  be  born  ; 

u  Here/'  say  they— -u  in  Judah-land, 
Blessed  now,  tho'  erst  forlorn  !" 

Then  the  despot — -greatly  ired — - 

Called  the  Magi  whom  he  feared. 
Earnestly  of  them  inquired 

When  the  mystic  star  appeared  : 
"  Go"— saith  he— "to  Bethlehem, 

Seek  the  wond'rous  child  and  bring 
Word  to  me  in  haste  again — 

I,  too,  would  adore  the  king.'' 

When  his  wish  the  Magi  heard, 
Heard  the  crafty  tyrant's  word, 

Hastily  they  sped  their  way  5 
And  the  star,  which  they  had  seen 
In  the  Orient  sky  serene, 
Went  before  them  till  it  came 
Standing  o'er  the  spot — -the  same 

Where  the  infant  Saviour  lay ! 

Fairly  now  the  house  within, 

They  with  Mary  see  the  child, 
Bending  low,  they  worship  Him, 

Worship  Christ— the  meek,  the  mild  : 
And,  their  treasures  op'ning  wide, 

Rarest  gifts  of  gold  they  bring, 
Frankincense  and  myrrh  beside 

Offer  they  to  Christ — -their  king  ! 

Once  their  willing  service  done, 
Service  rendered  to  their  Lord, 

Homeward  haste  they,  and  anon 
God  doth  kindly  aid  afford — 


BLAUGHTBR    OF    THK    INXOCKXTS.  33 

Warns  them  Herod  not  to  see, 

Homeward  go  another  way  : 
Heeding,  they  the  tyrant  flee, 

Glad — the  voice  of  God  obey  ! 

Grateful  for  this  help  divine. 

They  with  joy  their  steps  retrace  : 
Still  the  mystic  star  doth  shine, 

Shines  effulgent  in  its  place  : 
Guided  by  His  light  serene, 

Err  they  not,  nor  aimless  roam  : 
Fended  "neath  the  radiant  sheen. 

Thev  in  safetv  reach  their  home  ! 


SLAUGHTER  OF  THE  IXXOCEXTS. 

Heard  ye.  elate,  th'  enrapt'ring  strains 
Erst  sweeping  o'er  Judea's  plains, 

In  sweet  celestial  lays  ? 
They  were  the  songs  of  angels  bright 
Rejoicing  in  the  coming  light — 

The  light  of  better  days  ! 

That  joy  is  changed  to  tort'ring  fears, 
And  eyes  are  moist  with  briny  tears, 

Which  now  in  torrents  fall ; 
And  hearts,  with  gladness  full  of  late, 
Now  drain  the  bitter  cup  of  fate — 

Of  wormwood  and  of  gall ! 

The  Despot,  by  the  wise  men  mocked, 
Is  mad  with  rage,  and  men  are  shocked 

With  horrid  deeds  of  blood  ; 
For,  sending  forth  his  servile  hosts, 
Of  vict'ry  o'er  the  weak  he  boasts, 

Avenged  in  crimson  flood ! 


34  THE    FLIGHT    IXTO    EGYPT. 

Fulfilled  is  what  the  prophets  spake, 
In  Rama  all  of  grief  partake — 

A  plaintive  voice  is  heard  ; 
The  voice  of  mourning,  sad  and  deep, 
For  Rachel  doth  her  children  weep, 

And  weeps  with  hope  deferred  ! 

0  bloody  scene  !  0  cruel  fate  ! 
Where  all  was  peace  and  joy  of  late, 

Xow  sorrow  reigns  supreme  ; 
There  lamentation  loud  and  strong, 
And  mourning  o'er  the  cruel  wrong, 

Are  found  in  their  extreme ! 

The  blood  of  infant  martyrs  shed, 
In  vengeance,  thus,  to  slaughter  led, 

Xo  longer  they  are  near  ; 
Sweet  Innocents  in  crowds  are  slain, 
And  comfort  none  doth  now  remain 

The  smitten  heart  to  cheer ! 


THE  FLIGHT  INTO  EGYPT. 

Rapture  reigned  in  Judah,  then, 
*   Joy  the  heaving  bosom  thrilled  ; 
For  the  cherished  hope  of  men, 

For  the  promise  was  fulfilled ; 
Yet  the  welkin,  dank  and  dark, 

Presaged  trouble — presaged  pain, 
And  the  prudent  eye  could  mark 

Wrath-clouds  gath'ring  o'er  the  plain. 


THE    FLIGHT    INTO    EGYPT.  35 

Scarce  the  Magi  yet  are  gone, 

When  an  Angel  from  above 
Comes  to  Joseph — sad  and  lone — 

In  b  dream,  with  words  of  love. 
Saving:  u  rise,  and  take  the  child. 

Child  so  tender — dear  to  thee — 
With  his  mother  meek  and  mild, 

To  the  land  of  Egypt  flee  ! 

"  There  remain,  till  thee  I  bring 

Word  of  comfort,  word  of  joy  ; 
For  the  bloody  tyrant-king 

Seeks  the  infant  to  destroy." 
Going  thence,  in  haste,  he  took 

Mary  with  the  babe  divine  ; 
Glad,  the  tyrant's  realm  forsook, 

Safety  sought  in  foreign  clime  ! 

Stayed  he  in  that  land  remote, 

Sheltered  by  the  arm  divine, 
Until  God  in  judgment  smote 

Herod  of  the  scheme  malign  ; 
That  the  mystic  word  of  old 

Might  receive  its  sense  anon, 
"  Out  of  Egypt  have  I  called, 

Called  my  well-beloved  Son.'' 

Safe — protected  were  the  three, 

Aided  still  by  might  divine  ; 
From  the  dread  of  tyrants  free, 

Exiled,  they  do  not  repine  5 
Once  the  tyrant  dead  and  gone, 

Joseph,  now,  no  longer  fears  ; 
For  an  Angel  from  the  throne 

To  him  in  a  dream  appears. 


36  THE    FLIGHT    LXTO    EGYPT. 

"  Hasten,  rise'' — the  Angel  said — 

"Take  the  mother,  take  the  child, 
They  who  sought  his  life  are  dead, 

Homeward  bear  the  meek,  the  mild.*' 
Quickly,  then,  he  rose  and  took 

Child  and  mother,  calm,  serene, 
Glad,  the  land  of  Ham  forsook. 

Came  again  to  Palestine. 

Tyrants  new  the  sceptre  bore, 

Evils  feared  he,  serious,  grave, 
Would  his  safety  risk  no  more, 

Would  no  more  the  perils  brave  ; 
Fearing  he,  and  warned  of  God, 

Turned  aside  to  Galilee, 
Where  he  found  a  safe  abode, 

Sheltered  and  from  danger  free. 

In  a  city  small  and  mean, 

Dwelt  they — dwelt  the  sacred  three  ; 
Xaz'reth — as  in  vision  keen — 

Prophets  saw  their  home  should  be  ; 
And  the  mystic  word,  once  more, 

In  fulfillment  now  is  seen ; 
Word  in  darkness  veiled  before — 

"  He  shall  be  a  Nazarene." 

0  the  bliss — the  rapture  sweet 

Nestling  in  the  trusty  heart, 
When,  submissive  at  His  feet, 

In  God's  love  we  share  a  part ! 
Dangers  tho',  in  countless  hosts, 

Daily  crowd  around  our  path, 
Each,  in  God,  a  vict'ry  boasts 

O'er  the  cruel  sons  of  wrath  ! 


"FEAR  NOT  LITTLE  FLOCK/ 

Ye  friends  of  the  Saviour, 

And  friends  of  mankind, 
Come  let  us  endeavor 

With  heart  and  with  mind, 
The  God  of  all  mercies, 

The  God  of  all  grace, 
To  serve  and  to  honour, 

To  love  and  to  praise  ! 

His  goodness  has  kept  us 

In  days  that  are  gone, 
His  grace  will  sustain  us 

In  time  that's  to  come  ; 
This  truth  is  so  precious, 

This  hope  is  so  dear, 
That,  living  or  dying, 

We  never  shall  fear ! 

The  God  that  made  heaven, 

The  earth,  and  the  seas, 
Doth  He  not  sustain  them 

So  long  as  He  please  ? 
And  why — so  much  favored, 

Should  we  not  confide 
In  Him  who  has  made  us 

And  all  things  beside  ? 


38  FEAR    NOT    LITTLE    FLOCK. 

"  If  you,  that  are  evil/' 

The  Lord  doth  inquire, 
"  Do  grant  to  your  children 

The  gifts  they  desire  5 
Much  less  will  your  Father, 

Whose  dwelling's  on  high, 
The  things  ye  have  need  of 

To  you  e'er  deny. 

''The  voice  of  the  raven, 

That  sails  in  the  air, 
Your  Father  in  heaven 

With  pity  doth  hear  5 
With  food  He  supplies  them 

Tho'  num'rous  they  be  : 
But,  0,  ye  distrustful, 

Much  better  are  ye  ! 

"And  think  of  the  lilies 

That  grow  in  the  field  ; 
They  toil  not — they  spin  not, 

Nor  increase  they  yield  5 
Yet  G-od  doth  array  them 

In  robes  that  are  gay; 
And  why  should  less  goodness 

To  you,  He  display  ?" 

Then  fear  not,  beloved, 

Nor  faint  on  the  road, 
Since  God  will  supply  us 

With  raiment  and  food  ;     . 
Come,  let  us  take  courage 

And  hope  for  the  day, 
When  Christ  in  His  mercy, 

Shall  call  us  away! 


THE     BEATITUDES.  39 

Yea.  lrt  as  be  constant, 

Nor  vield  to  dismay. 
And  God  will  in  season, 

His  glory  display  ; 
At  length,  from  all  sorrows 

He'll  free  us,  His  blest, 
And  grant  us  an  entrance 

To  non-ending  rest ! 


DARE  TO  DO  RIGHT. 

God  is  faithful,  just,  and  true, 
And  will  kindly  care  for  you — 
Bravely,  then,  the  right  pursue, 
As  is  due  ! 


THE  BEATITUDES. 

Once,  weary  with  the  cares  of  earth. 

The  Lord  of  life  was  found 
Ensconsed  upon  the  mountain  side. 

With  multitudes  around  ; 
And.  gazing  on  the  eager  crowd, 

Who  craved  the  light  above, 
He  oped  His  sacred  lips,  and  spake 

In  words  of  purest  love  : 

Lo,  "  blessed"  they,  the  weary  ones, 

Whom  earth  unhappy  calls; 
On  them,  in  sweet  and  tender  notes, 

The  " benediction"  falls-, 
They  be  the  richest  far  on  earth 

That  are  in  spirit  poor ; 
For  theirs  the  heavn  ly  kingdom  is, 

And  theirs  tor  evermore. 


40  THE      BEATITUDES. 

Yea,  "  blessed"  are  the  contrite  ones, 

The  burthened  souls  that  mourn  ; 
The  Lord  will  hear  their  plaintive  groans. 

To  joy  their  sadness  turn  • 
For,  in  the  heaving  breast  is  found 

A  soil  productive,  pure, 
And  every  grace  shall  there  abound, 

And  joy  divine  be  sure  ! 

Supremely  "  blessed"  are  the  meek, 

Who,  fearing  God,  obey — 
And,  longing  for  salvation,  seek 

To  walk  in  wisdom's  way ; 
For  they,  the  blessed  heirs  of  life, 

The  sons  of  heav'nly  birth, 
Are  made  to  share  in  present  bliss, 

Inheritors  of  earth! 

And  "  blessed"  are  the  famished  ones, 

That  hunger  and  do  thirst, 
And  "righteousness"  in  earnest  seek, 

And  seek  this  blessing  first ; 
Yea,  blessed  are  these  weary  ones, 

As  God  their  bliss  hath  willed, 
For  they,  the  poor  and  needy,  shall 

With  joys  divine  be  "filled." 

And  "blessed  are  the  merciful," 

The  tender  and  the  kind — 
The  sympathising  friends  of  all, 

The  lovers  of  mankind  ; 
For  they,  in  darkest  seasons  found, 

In  anguish  of  the  mind, 
Shall,  even  then,  in  bliss  abound, 

Sweet  mercy  they  shall  find  ! 


THE     BEATITUDES.  41 

Thrice  "  blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart," 

The  faithful  and  the  true, 
Who  long  with  all  on  earth  to  part, 

And  higher  ends  pursue  ; 
For  they,  in  all  that  greets  them  here, 

In  earth  and  sea  combined. 
In  forest,  field,  and  sky,  shall  see 

A  God  supremely  kind ! 

And  *k  blessed"  they,  who,  hating  strife, 

The  ways  of  peace  pursue, 
And,  following  thus  the  Prince  of  Life. 

Are  found  to  virtue  true  : 
Renewed  in  heart,  the  Holy  one 
:   "they  shall  all  be  mine, 
Blest  children  of  the  living  God, 

And  heirs  of  life  divine.'' 

And  M  blessed"  they,  the  pure  and  good, 

The  righteous  and  the  just — 
With  every  gift  of  grace  adorned, 

And  free  from  every  lust ; 
Who,  for  their  goodness,  suffer  wrath 

And  persecutions  dire ; 
For  theirs  are  joy  and  heav'nly  bliss. 

Such  as  the  saints  desire  ! 

And  chiefly  ye,  the  friends  of  truth, 

Enlightened  from  on  high, 
Who,  faithful  to  your  Sovereign  Lord, 

Proclaim  Him  far  and  nigh  5 
Supremely  "blessed"  are  ye  just. 

That  goodness  still  pursue, 
Tho'  by  the  wicked  world  arraigned 

For  what  is  good  and  true. 


42  AROTTXD    THE    ALTAR    TWINING. 

"  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding  glad/' 

Ye  servants  of  the  Lord — 
Triumphant  lift  your  heads  on  high, 

"  For  great  is  your  reward  ;" 
For  so  the  ancient  prophets  fared, 

The  faithful  and  the  true  ; 
Whom  wicked  men  did  persecute, 

With  vengeance  did  pursue  ! 


LOVE  YOUR  HOME. 

Once  the  soul,  in  thought  estranged, 
Frets  in  discontent  at  home, 

Soon  it,  then — all  things  arranged — 
Lon*£S  in  distant  lands  to  roam  ! 


AROUND  THE  ALTAR  TWINING. 

Around  the  altar  twining 

Affections  warm  and  pure, 
In  faith  and  love  combining. 

The  crown  of  life  secure  : 
Nor  fear  nor  danger  heeding, 

The  heart,  thus  firm  and  strong, 
Tho'  wily  lusts  are  pleading, 

Instinctive  shuns  the  wrong. 

Around  the  altar  twining 

Affections  warm  and  pure, 
In  light  and  beauty  shining, 

To  life  and  bliss  allure  ; 
The  Lord,  the  mighty,  shielding 

His  children  'neath  His  arm, 
Nor  to  the  tempter  yielding, 

Preserves  them  free  from  harm. 


THE    LAST    SUPPER.  43 

Around  the  altar  twining 

Affections  warm  and  pure, 
On  virtue  still  reclining, 

Of  radiant  glory  sure  j 
0  happy  they,  who,  hoping 

In  God,  the  mighty  Lord, 
With  hostile  forces  coping, 

Secure  the  great  reward. 

Around  the  altar  twining 

Affections  warm  and  pure, 
The  trusty  heart  refining, 

A  blissful  hope  insure  ; 
Hence,  happily  reposing 

On  God  in  fiercest  strife, 
The  soul  itself  composing, 

Awaits  eternal  life  ! 


THE  LAST  SUPPER. 

The  sun  went  down,  that  festal  eve, 

With  gold  and  crimson  in  the  sky, 
And  no  one  could,  in  fact,  believe, 

The  tragic  scenes  that  lay  so  nigh  j 
The  Master,  in  that  upper  room — 

Convened  with  friends — once  more  at  least. 
Would,  prior  to  his  final  doom, 

With  them  observe  the  pascal  feast ! 

While  seated  round  the  festive  board, 

He  took  the  bread,  and  blessed,  and  brake, 

u  Tata — 'tis  my  body,  broke  for  you, 
This  eat  in  mind  of  me" — He  spake  ; 


44  GATHERING    IN     THE    ROSE-BUDS. 

Then  took  the  cup,  and,  blessing,  said 
"  Drink  ye,  my  friends,  drink  all  of  this, 

This  is  my  blood  for  sinners  shed, 
'Tis  life  to  you — 'tis  endless  bliss !" 

0  joyous  feast!  0  blessed  scene  ! 

What  matchless  grace  to  mortals  shown  ; 
Such  kindness  ne'er  before  was  seen, 

Such  boundless  love  was  never  known  ; 
'Tis  Jesus  bringing  life  and  peace, 

And  pledging  men  sweet  joys  above  ; 
Then  hasten,  mortals,  to  receive 

These  tokens  of  His  dving  love  ! 


GATHERING  IN  THE  ROSE-BUDS. 

Little  "  beauties,"  scarcely  born, 
Basking  in  the  dew  of  morn, 
Tiny  Rose-buds,  sweet  and  fair. 
Breathing  in  the  balmy  air, 
From  the  stem  so  rudely  torn, 
Hapless  seem  and  quite  forlorn  ; 
Yet  by  fairy  hands  are  brought. 
Set  in  vases  chastely  wrought ! 

Placed  upon  the  mantel  fair, 
Where,  immersed  in  perfumed  air, 
Gently  swelling,  they  expand 
Into  roses  sweetly  grand  ; 
In  the  night  and  thro'  the  day, 
Fragrance  now  exhaling,  they 
Grandly  thus  the  parlor  grace, 
Lovely,  charming — just  in  place  ! 


GATHERING    IN     THE    ROSE-BUDS.  !•"> 

So  tlic  little  wand'rers  gay, 
upon  Life's  thorny  way, 

Here  and  there  are  ling'ring  found, 
Wtary.  way-worn,  homeward  bound; 
Loveliest,  fairest  of  them  all. 
Gently  doth  the  Master  call 
Up  to  yonder  worlds  above, 
Full  of  beauty — full  of  love  ! 

Hearts  are  saddened  here  below, 
Bitter  tears  are  caused  to  flow ; 
Every  earthly  joy  seems  gone, 
And  the  weary  weep  alone  : 
But  their  joy,  awhile  restrained, 
'Mid  the  losses  here  sustained. 
Soon,  in  fuller  measure  giv'n, 
Sweeter  shall  be  found  in  heav'n  ! 

Parents — mourning  babes  removed, 
Treasures  once  so  dearly  loved — 
Deeming  all  earth's  pleasures  gone, 
Nothing  left  but  tears  alone — 
Deem  ye  life  all  dark  and  drear, 
With  no  ray  of  hope  to  cheer  ? 
Bleeding  hearts,  with  anguish  riv'n, 
Lo  !  your  babes  are  saved  in  heav'n  ! 

Sweet  the  joy  that  hope  doth  give, 
Children  dying,  still  do  live — 
Happier  far  in  realms  above, 
Bathing  there  in  seas  of  love  ; 
Waiting,  free  from  care  and  fear. 
For  the  loved  ones  struggling  here  ; 
Soon  their  bliss  ye,  too,  shall  share 
In  those  mansions  bright  and  fair ! 


THE   HAPPY  CHOICE. 

I  ask  not  for  riches, 

Which  cannot  secure 
A  crown  that  is  fadeless, 

Xor  joys  that  are  pure  ; 
I  ask  but  those  riches, 

From  virtue  that  'rise, 
The  smiles  of  my  Saviour. 

The  pearl  of  great  price  ! 

I  ask  not  for  beauty, 

This  soon  shall  decay, 
And  leave  me  to  linger 

'Mid  shame  and  dismay  : 
I  ask  not  such  beauty, 

I  seek  but  to  find 
The  fairest  in  Xature, 

The  beauty  of  mind  ! 

I  ask  not  for  pleasures, 

From  Xature  that  spring  ; 
Like  vapors  they  vanish, 

And  leave  but  a  sting ; 
I  ask  but  those  pleasures 

In  death  that  endure, 
Produced  by  the  spirit, 

Sweet,  lovely,  and  pure  ! 


THE     RAPP*    <  HON  K.  17 

I  ask  not  fol  POWER, 

So  eagerly  sought, 
With  pain  it  is  coupled, 

With  danger  'tis  fraught; 
I  ask  but  for  power 

My  spirit  to  rule, 
It-  passions  to  govern. 
Its  fears  to  control ! 

I  ask  not  for  FAVOR, 

'Mong  mortals  below  : 
The  good  that  is  lasting, 

They  cannot  bestow  : 
I  ask  but  for  favor, 

With  Thee,  0  Most  High  ; 
In  weakness  defend  me. 

In  danger  be  nigh  ! 

I  ask  not  for  HONOR, 

The  charm  of  mankind  ; 
The  flesh  tho'  it  plea- 

It  poisons  the  mind  ; 
I  ask  but  for  honor, 

In  Jesus  my  Lord, 
The  pledge  of  his  pardon, 

The  seal  of  His  blood  ! 

I  ask  not  for  wisdom 

To  earth  that's  confined  ; 
With  sin  it  is  mingled. 

With  falsehood  combined  ; 
I  ask  but  for  wisdom 

My  duties  to  scan, 
And  render  them  daily 

To  God  and  to  man  ! 


48  THOU    ART    SO    SWEET. 

I  ask  not  for  glory 

By  conquest  attained  ; 
With  tears  it  is  purchased. 

With  blood  it  is  stained  : 
I  ask  but  this  glory — 

My  name  to  survive 
In  Heaven's  fair  ledger, 

The  Lamb's  book  of  Life  ! 


"THOU  ART  SO  SWEET.'* 

These  were  the  dying  words  of  a  young  lady,  who,  when  no  longer 
able  to  speak  aloud,  continued  to  magnify  the  rich  grace  of  God,  in 
Christ, — her  tongue  silently  going  through  the  motion— Thou  art  so 
sweet— Thou  art  so  sweet,  until  her  spirit  passed  gently  over  into  the 
land  of  the  blest. 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
When  Nature's  night  so  dark  and  drear, 
By  grace  dispelled,  did  disappear, 
And  skies  became  all  bright  and  clear. 
Surprised,  I  sung — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet! 
Ah  !  since  each  day  Thy  grace  I  feel. 
As  near  Thy  throne  I  joyful  kneel, 
And  Thou  thyself  dost  there  reveal, 
I'll  sing,  I'll  sing — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
At  morn — when  all  so  lovely  seems, 
The  sun  displays  his  radiant  beams, 
And  air  with  choicest  music  teems, 
I'll  sing  aloud — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 


THOU    ART    so    SWEET,  49 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
Thy  name  I'll  praise  at  busy  noon, 
'Mid  odors  sweet  and  rosy  bloom — 
Thy  word  dispels  the  gath'ring  gloom, 
And  sings  my  soul — Thou  art  so  sweet  ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
At  even-tide — all  calm  and  still, 
I  lift  mine  eyes  to  Zion's  hill. 
And  God  my  Saviour's  with  me  still, 
I'll  sing  with  joy — Thou  art  so  sweet! 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
At  midnight,  when  my  soul  awakes 
'Mid  silent  gloom  and  spreading  shades. 
And  all  before  my  vision  fades — 
I'll  sing  alone — Thou  art  so  sweet  ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
While  yet  my  blood  so  freely  flows, 
Mysoul  with  burning  ardor  glows, 
And  God  His  grace  on  me  bestows — 
I'll  sing  in  youth — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
STes,  when  I  feel — reduced  by  age, 
I  soon  must  leave  this  earthly  stage, 
Let  praise  to  God  my  soul  engage, 
While  loud  1  sing — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
While  life  remains,  my  soul  inspire. 
0  God,  with  love  and  sacred  fire. 
Let  all  my  powers  in  haste  conspire 
To  sing,  enrapt — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 


50  TEKEL  :    OR,    THE    SINNER    TESTED. 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
When  sickness  lays  me  on  ray  bed, 
And  pains  are  o'er  my  body  shed, 
I'll  lift  my  soul  to  Christ  my  Head, 
And  still  sing  on — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet  ! 
When  struggling  in  the  arms  of  death, 
When  stops  my  pulse  and  fails  my  breath, 
I'll  rest  secure  in  God,  through  faith, 
And  louder  sing— Thou  art  so  sweet ! 

Thou  art  so  sweet ! 
Yes,  when  life's  toilsome  days  are  o'er, 
And  sin  disturbs  my  soul  no  more, 
I'll  sing  in  strains  unknown  before, 
My  God,  My  God — Thou  art  so  sweet ! 


TEKEL:  OR,  THE  SINNER  TESTED. 

Thou  art  wanting ! 
Who  is  wanting  ? 
He,  whose  thoughts  from  God  estrange, 

Whilst  he  blindly  trusts  to  fate  ; 
Though  in  death  he  seek  a  change. 
Then,  alas,  'twill  be  too  late — 
He  is  wanting, 
Truly  wanting ! 

Thou  art  wanting  ! 
Who  is  wanting  ? 
He  who  strives  the  world  to  please. 
Seeks  not  heaven,  shuns  not  hell, 


TEKBL  :    OB    THE    8INKEB    TESTED.  51 

Still  live.-  on  in  thoughtless  e:i~ 
( )h  !  his  state  is  hard  to  tell! 
He  is  wanting. 
Sadly  wanting  ! 

Thou  art  wanting  ! 
Who  is  wanting? 
He  who  serves  not  God,  sincere, 
Xor  obeys  His  mandates  pure  : 
He  doth  not  the  Lord  revere, 
And  to  him  destruction's  sure. 
He  is  wanting. 
Surely  wanting  ! 

Thou  art  wanting ! 

Who  is  wanting  ? 

He,  who  makes  not  God  his  friend, 

Xor  to  Christ  for  safety  flees  : 
But  lives  thoughtless  to  his  end, 
Till  at  length  his  doom  he  sees — 
He  is  wanting. 
Ever  wanting ! 

Thou  art  wanting! 

Who  is  wanting  ? 

He,  that,  when  the  Lord  shall  come, 

To  collect  His  jewels  rare. 
Finds  for  him  there  is  no  room, 
And  sinks  down  to  dark  despair — 
He  is  wanting, 
Greatly  wanting ! 

Thou  art  wanting, 
Who  is  wanting  ? 
He,  who,  when  earth  disappears. 
Finds  himself  engulfed  in  hell  ; 


52  COMFORTS    OF    RELIGION. 

Where  must  flow  his  bitter  tears, 
Where  his  sorrows  still  must  swell- 
He  is  wanting, 
0,  he's  wanting  ! 


COMFORTS  OF  RELIGION. 

How  sweet  'tis  to  mingle  with  saints  of  the  Lord 
To  praise  Him  for  mercies  revealed  in  His  Word  5 
Serenely  look  up  to  the  place  where  He  dwells 
And  draw  from  Him  comfort  as  water  from  wells. 

How  sweet  'tis  to  linger  beside  the  pure  stream 
Where  pleasures  forever,  as  truly  'twould  seem, 
Abide  in  their  freshness  to  cheer  the  sad  soul 
And  goodness  and  mercy  encompass  the  whole. 

How  sweet  to  remember  that  all  we  possess 
Results  from  His  goodness,  His  mercy,  and  grace  : 
And  feel  the  assurance,  we  need  not  despond 
Since  God  is  so  gracious,  so  loving  and  fond. 

How  sweet  to  look  forward,  nor  then  be  afraid 
When  death  shall  envelope  the  soul  in  its  shade, 
But  lean  with  composure  on  Jesus'  strong  arm 
Where  pain  cannot  enter  nor  dangers  alarm. 

How  sweet  to  look,  also,  beyond  the  thick  gloom 
That  hides  from  the  vision  the  sun-beams  of  noon, 
There  God  and  the  Saviour  forever  compose 
The  spirit's  sweet  resting — its  endless  repose. 

Aye,  sweet  from  the  valley  of  sorrows  and  tears 
A  home  in  the  skies  to  the  mourner  appears  ; 
He  steadily  looks  to  this  mansion  on  high, 
The  pilgrim's  dear  Homestead  reserved  in  the  sky ! 


THINE    ALONE.  53 

When  sunk  in  affliction — in  deepest  distress — 
And  nothing  remainetb  to  cheer  and  to  bless, 
'Tis  then  the  lone  pilgrim,  tho'  heaving  a  Bigh, 
Looks  upward,  and  thinks  of  his  portion  on  high  ! 


THINE  ALONE. 


Yes,  my  Jesus,  precious  Saviour, 

I  would  yield  myself  to  Thee  ! 
Seal  this  offering  with  Thy  favor, 

And  from  sin  my  spirit  free  ! 
Thou  hast  saved  me  by  Thy  power 

From  disease  and  early  death, 
And  to  Thee,  in  earnest  prayer, 

I  will  spend  my  latest  breath  ! 

While  my  life  and  strength  continue, 

I  will  seek  Thy  smiling  face, 
And  for  aye  pursue  that  virtue 

Which  is  wrought  alone  by  grace  : 
Thou  art  worthy,  0  my  Saviour, 

Thou  art  worthy  to  receive 
Honor,  glory,  strength,  and  power, 

More  than  ever  I  can  give  ! 

0  what  mercy  Thou  hast  shown  me ! 

0  what  joy  and  love  and  peace  ! 
From  destruction's  dark  forebodings 

Thou  hast  saved  me  by  Thy  grace. 
Risen  from  the  tomb  with  power, 

Thou  hast  burst  the  chains  of  death  ; 
Now  to  Thee,  in  grateful  prayer, 

1  will  breathe  my  sweetest  breath  ! 


54  PRAISE    THE   LORD. 

High  ascended  up  to  heaven — 

Thou  hast  oped  its  pearly  gates, 
And  redemption,  dearly  purchased, 

On  the  weary  pilgrim  waits — 
Waits  to  crown  him  with  its  graces, 

And  to  free  his  captive  soul  ; 
Jesus,  I  would  sound  Thy  praises, 

Thro'  the  earth  from  pole  to  pole  ! 

Low  before  Thy  gracious  Presence 

Bends  my  soul  in  humble  prayer  : 
There  I  find  Thy  pard'ning  mercy, 

And  Thy  goodness  ever  share  5 
Lift  upon  my  Spirit,  Saviour. 

Xow  alone  Thy  smiling  face  ! 
Let  Thy  grace,  and  truth,  and  power. 

Let  Thy  love  inspire  my  praise  ! 


PRAISE  THE  LORD. 

Earth's  music  sweet — of  charming  strain 
And  greens  that  deck  the  life-clad  plain, 
The  scenes  beneath,  so  passing  fair, 
And  sounds  that  fill  the  balmy  air, 

All — all  unite, 

In  gentle  tide, 
To  swell  and  bear  His  praise  along, 
And  chant  to  God  a  solemn  song ! 

Thus  may  you  send, 

Dear  Christian  friend, 
Sweet  praise  to  God  with  ev'ry  breath, 
In  sickness,  health — in  life  and  death  5 
So  shall  you  here  secure  His  grace, 
In  Heaven  enjoy  His  smiling  face  ! 


IS  NOT  IN   VAIN;  OR,  THE  CHRISTIAN    LIFE. 

Tis  not  in  vain  ! 
Your  tears  that  fall  so  thick  and  fast, 
When  day  begins — when  day  ifi  past, 
Will  bring  to  you  relief  at  last — 
Four  tears  are  not  in  vain  ! 

'Tia  not  in  vain  ! 
Some  soul  among  that  happy  band. 
Whu  'round  the  throne  immortal  stand, 
May  bless  you  when  at  (rod's  right  hand — 
Your  work  is  not  in  vain  ! 

'Tis  nut  in  vain  ! 
Here  Lead  a  life  of  active  faith, 
And  when  you  pass  the  gates  of  death. 
Immortal  bloom  your  brow  shall  wreath 
Your  faith  is  not  in  vain  I 

-  not  in  vain  ! 
Your  hope,  so  constant,  firm,  and  pure, 
When  life  is  past  shall  still  endure. 
And  joy  and  peace  beyond  secure — 
Your  hope  is  not  in  vain  ! 

'Tis  not  in  vain  ! 
Your  life  here  spent  in  faith  and  love, 
With  meekness  tempered  like  a  dove, 
Shall  bloom  in  endless  spring  above — 
Your  life  is  not  in  vain  ! 


56  the  christian's  inheritance. 

"Tis  not  in  vain  ! 
The  way  to  Clod  seems  dark  and  strait, 
It  leads,  alas,  thro'  deaths  thick  shade. 
But  death  to  you  is  heaven's  gate, 
Your  death  is  not  in  vain  ! 


THE  CHRISTIAN'S   INHERITANCE. 

Christian  !  view  thv  vast  possessions, 

Lo  !  the  world  is  all  thine  own  ! 
Thine  the  earth  on  which  thou  dwellest, 

Thine  the  seas  and  thine  alone. 
Christian  !  lift  thine  eyes  to  heaven. 

See  the  hosts  yon  skies  display  ! 
Radiant  orbs,  with  glory  beaming, 

Thine,  and  thine  alone  are  tliev  ! 

Lo  !  the  woodland's  waving  foliage, 

And  the  mead's  enchanting  looks, 
Lo  !  the  ocean's  surging  billows, 

And  the  songs  of  purling  brooks, 
Lo  !  the  day's  resplendent  brightness, 

And  the  night's  secluding  shades, 
All  unite  to  swell  the  gladness, 

Which  thy  raptured  soul  pervades ! 

Hark  !  what  soft,  melodious  breathings. 

Float  upon  the  morning  breeze. 
Sweetest  perfumes,  rich,  enchanting, 

Mingling,  fill  the  air  with  these  ! 
Saint !  the  songsters'  lovely  anthems, 

And  the  flow'rets'  charming  hue — 
All  conspire  to  breathe  thee  solace, 

All  are  here  to  comfort  vou  ! 


PRAISE    IN     NATURE. 

Lo!  the  Bummer's  golden  harvest, 

Autumn  .scones  SO  passing  fa i r — 
Lo!  the  beasts  that  roam  the  forest, 

And  the  birds  that  sail  the  air — 
Diverse  hosts  that  tread  the  mountains. 

Finny  tribes  that  scud  the  main, 
All  shall  cheer  the  Christian's  dwelling. 

All  shall  be  the  Christian's  gain  ! 

Nature  yields  thee  vast  possessions, 

Blessings  thou  hast  largely  shared  ; 
Hut  the  richest  of  those  blessings, 

Are  but  small  with  these  compared  ; 
Christ  has  died — the  blessed  Saviour. 

He  has  saved  thy  soul  from  hell ! 
Christ  has  risen — lo !  in  heaven, 

Thou  shalt  with  Him  ever  dwell  ! 

i 
Jesus,  raised  to  highest  heaven. 

Now  is  seated  on  the  throne  : 
And  His  Spirit,  freely  given. 

Kindly  cheers  thee,  pilgrim  lone, 
And.  at  length,  with  peerless  beauty, 

Will  adorn  thy  rescued  soul — 
Christian  !  spread  thy  Saviour's  praises, 

All  is  thine  from  pole  to  pole  ! 


PRAISE   IX   NATURE. 

Hark  !    The  spring  birds,  near  me  singing, 

Fill  the  air  with  music  sweet, 
And — the  echoes  sweetly  ringing — 

Glad  the  cheerful  songs  repeat! 


58  CONTRAST    IX    DEATH. 

Breezes  o'er  the  earth  are  sweeping, 
Which  enhance  its  beauty  still. 

Cheer  the  pilgrim,  weary,  weeping, 
And  with  joy  ecstatic  fill  i 

Flow'rets  sweet,  in  sun-light  basking, 
Round  me  choicest  fragrance  pour, 

Beauty,  grace,  and  joy  combining, 
Cause  my  spirit  to  adore  ! 

Nature,  0,  'tis  sweet  and  charming, 
Clear  and  bright  the  fairy  scene ; 

Forests  decked  with  richest  foliage, 
Meadows  robed  in  living  green  ! 

While  these  scenes,  so  fair  and  lovely, 

Stand  before  my  ravished  eyes, 
I  would  raise  my  soul  delighted — 
k    All-enraptured,  to  the  skies  ! 

I  would  bear  my  humble  portion 
In  this  song  of  heart  felt  praise, 

And,  with  grateful  soul  adoring, 
Now  my  voice  with  Nature  raise  ! 


CONTRAST  IN  DEATH. 

THE    STXXER. 

Stretched  on  his  pillowed  couch  the  sinner  lies  ; 
His  frame  is  racked  with  fell  and  keen  disease 
Which  slowly  works  within — his  eyes  are  sunk, 
And  pale  his  face.     His  languid  looks  show  marks 
Of  life-consuming,  dread  disease  at  work — 
His  death  is  nigh,  and  sad  the  sinner's  fate  ! 
He  looks  *,  the  world  is  fading  from  his  dim, 
Distorted  vision ;  and  a  strange-toned  voice 


I  ONTBAST    IN    DEATH. 

Offearfdl  import,  tails  upoD  his  ear 

And  fills  his  Bonl  with  horror  and  dismay  1 

He  looks  again  ;  and  finds  his  doom  is  fixed  : 

The  long  probation  past  :  and  all  his  strength, 

ilis  health,  his  life,  he  sees,  in  vain  are  spent. 
He  weeps.     His  spirit  once  so  stout,  now  quails  : 
And  trembling  seizes  on  his  frame  !     He  halts  — 
He  thinks  of  time,  but  time  no  more  is  his  : 
His  trust  is  gone — the  earth  on  which  reposed 
His  fondest  hopes.     The  jests  of  sinners,  now, 
No  more  can  ease  his  troubled  mind,  or  brin^r 
Composure  to  his  soul  with  horrors  deep 
And  dark  forebodings  filled.     Despair  invades 
His  faltering  heart — his  hopes  of  life  are  fled. 
And  all  is  dark.     A  world  unknown  now  breaks 

d  his  view.      The  die.  for  him,  is   casl 
srhs.     The  scenes,  his  high-wrought  fancy  paints. 
Are  fearful,  dark — of  horror  full  and  dread  ! 
Fresh  tortures  still  his  soul  invade,  and  sink 
It  deeper  into  woe  extreme!     He  dreads; 
He  quakes.     His  frame  is  tossed  in  anguish  deep — 

-  lined  with  burning  wrath.      He  cries  to  God 
For  mercy — 0,  'tis  mercy  now  he  wants  ! 
But.  ah  !  it  is  too  late  !     He  cries  once  more — 
0  Heaven,  save!   my  spirit  save,  0  God! 
But  no  !   'tis  lost  ! — Ah,  lost — forever  lost  ! 
Yet  mercy  ! — no,  'tis  gone  !     I  have  destroyed. 
Thro'  sin  destroyed  my  soul — my  wretched  soul  ! 

THE    .S  AIN'T. 

The  Christian  led  a  life  of  faith  and  hope, 
Of  love  and  kindness  oft  to  sinners  shown  ; 
A  life  of  suff'ring  great,  and  deep  distre—  I 
And  oft  he  felt  the  Bting  of  keen  reproach, 
And  dart<  of  envy  hurled  to  pierce  his  s<>ul  ! 
Yet,  tho'  he  felt  these  poisoned  arrows1  stings, 


60  CONTRAST    IX    DEATH. 

He  lived  a  happy  man — possessed  of  peace. 

And,  now,  this  Christian,  laid  on  death's  cold  bed. 

Rejoices — not  in  wealth,  or  fame,  or  pow'r, 

Nor  aught  by  earth  bestowed,  but  in  his  faith 

And  hope,  and  prospects  bright  of  future  bliss. 

His  mind  is  calm.     His  happy  soul  is  rapt 

In  meditation  sweet ;  and  heav'nly  peace 

Sits  on  his  countenance  !     He  gently  smiles, 

And  lifts  his  soul  to  God  in  praise  and  pray'r. 

He  knows  full  well  his  hope  is  fixed  on  high, 

Where  God  in  glory  dwells — where  Jesus  reigns  ; 

Where  angels  join,  and  saints,  to  praise  the  Lamb, 

And  raise,  in  everlasting  songs  of  joy, 

His  glory  high  !     The  saint  can  well  rejoice  ! 

He  calls  to  mind  his  life  of  faith  and  love, 

His  life  of  earnest  pray'rs,  and  frequent  tears 

O'er  sinners  shed — his  midnight  watchings, 

And  kindly  deeds  bestowed  on  men  of  rank 

Both  high  and  low — bestowed  on  some  whose  hearts 

Were  steeped  in  sin,  and  filled  with  burning  rage  ; 

And  on  the  meek  and  contrite  ones,  who  lived, 

And  prayed,  and  wept,  and  ate  their  bread  in  tears  : 

Thus  on  the  good  and  bad,  alike,  he  smiled. 

These  deeds  he  calls  to  mind  ;  and,  0,  the  peace 

Which  they  afford,  no  heart  but  his  can  tell ! 

In  death's  cold  arms  he  feels  supremely  safe, 

And  lifts,  in  grateful  strains,  his  soul  to  God. 

Ah  !  he  knows  his  Maker  lives  and  watches 

O'er  his  life  with  tender  care.     Confidence, 

That  priceless  gift  of  God,  dwells  in  his  heart, 

And  spreads  a  calm  composure  o'er  his  face. 

His  soul  is  full  of  joy  divine  and  peace  ; 

Gently  he  sinks  to  rest.     His  thoughts  now  fixed 

On  future  bliss,  he  thus  exclaims  :     "  Oh  death, 

Where  is  thy  sting !  thy  victory,  where,  0  grave !" 


TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

Lo  !  the  Saviour's  blood-stained  banner 

Poised  to  catch  the  gentle  breeze, 
o'er  th'  extended  range  of  mortals, 

Spreads  its  folds  in  joy  and  peace  : 
They,  who  grope  in  midnight  darkness, 

And  in  shades  of  deepest  gloom, 
i  shall  see  the  Gospel's  brightness, 

And  enjoy  its  precious  boon  ! 

We  have  felt  its  quick'ning  power, 

We  enjoy  its  precious  grace — 
Lo  !  its  beams  are  spreading  wider. 

Soon  will  touch  at  ev'ry  place  ; 
Distant  lands  the  sounds  are  catching, 

Sounds  of  joyous,  happy  news; 
And  the  echoes,  swift  rehearsing, 

Further  still  the  light  diffuse ! 

See,  the  West  is  raising  higher 

Still  the  gently  waving  flag; 
And  the  Bast,  in  earnest  prayer, 

Follows  up  the  golden  track  : 
are  hast'ning  to  receive  Him. 

Christ — the  source  of  life  and  peace, 
While  the  Gospel's  living  heralds 

Haste  poor  pris'ners  to  release  I 


62  carrier's  address. 

Nations,  sleeping,  wrapped  in  darkness, 

From  their  slumb'ring  state  awake  : 
While  the  ancient  forms  of  worship 

Deeply  to  their  centre  shake  : 
Earth  and  hell,  their  firmness  yielding, 

Soon  the  Gospel  shall  confess, 
And  the  fruits  of  grace  redeeming, 

Will  the  distant  nations  bless ! 


Where  those  proud,  majestic  rivers, 

Rolling  swift  in  mighty  flood, 
Bear  to  seas  their  turgid  waters, 

Crimsoned  deep  with  human  blood — 
There  shall  glide  the  silv'ry  streamlets, 

Bearing  on  their  bosom  peace — 
There  shall  love,  and  joy,  and  gladness, 

Bless  mankind,  with  gospel  grace  ! 

Where  dark  scenes  of  horror  triumph, 

There  shall  stand  the  Saviour's  cross  5 
What  before  their  gain  they  counted, 

Men  shall  count  their  greatest  loss  ; 
And  the  world  shall  bring  its  honors, 

Xear  the  cross  shall  lay  them  down  ; 
Raise  to  God  their  glad  Hosannas, 

And  with  praise  their  Saviour  crown  ! 


CARRIER'S  ADDRESS. 

Hail  Patrons,  Friends,  the  Carrier-boy 
Health  wishes  you,  and  peace,  and  joy  ! 


Good  News  I  bring — an  extra  sheet, 
As  oft  I  did  through  snow  and  sleet ; 
'Tis  kindly  meant,  tho'  rather  stern, 
As  you  will  by  experience  learn. 


CARRIER'S    A.DDRBS8.  63 

Time  was,  when  most,  ye  know,  the  aged  spake, 
But  now-a-days  the  young  their  places  take  ; 
And  why  not  bo?      I  here  would  humbly  ask. 
rTis  surely  not  of  all  the  heaviest  task? — 

And,  since  in  wit,  the  young  their  seniors  beat, 
Why  should  the  tongue  submit  to  base  defeat  ? 
My  majors,  then,  stand  back — just  hear  me  talk. 
\Vhv  not?    Sure  I'm  big — can — already  walk! 

Another  vear.  1  need  not  say.  is  flown — 

Fools  only  tell  what  is  already  known. 

My  story  is  but  brief,  and  briefly  told, 

Some  new  things  tho'  it  tells,  and  some  things  old. 

Depend  on  it.  I  shall  not  speak  in  vain. 

Or.  if  I  do,  you  have  yourself  to  blame  : 

Though  but  a  lad,  you  see,  a  stripling  youth. 

My  song,  be  sure,  contains  some  precious  truth. 

The  globose  earth  stands  still,  some  people  say. 
And  round  it  sweeps  the  burning  sun  each  day — 
High  o'er  us  stretched,  the  wide  expansive  blue 
Unaltered  meets,  each  day,  our  steady  view — 
While  yonder  stars  like  trembling  lights  are  hung 
Deep  in  the  clouds — the  azure  sky  along — 
And  distant  far,  in  shining  worlds  unknown, 
Majestic  reigns  Jehovah — God  alone! 

"  This  doctrine's  false."  the  lynx-eyed  Seer  exclaims, 
u  The  earth  revolves,  and  fixed  the  sun  remains — 
Thro'  vasty  space  the  stars  their  courses  run. 
And  cheerful  move  their  centre  'round — the  sun." 
This  sure  seems  true — the  other  seems  like  truth, 
But  which  is  right,  'tis  hard  to  say  for  youth  ; 
To  know  is  good — but  not,  is  sure  no  crime, 
Since  we  but  wish  to  sing  the  course  of  time. 


64  CARRIER'S    ADDJRE3S. 

Time  moves  ;  but  how  is  not  so  easy  shown — 
As  moments  come,  the  moments  past  are  gone. 
Oh  ! — simple  quite  this  truth,  you  may  declare  ; 
Perhaps  ! — but,  reader,  know  a  myst'ry's  there  ! 
God's  ways  are  deep.     Time  is — a  truth  sublime, 
Yet  time  is  changed  to  that  which  is  not  time. 
Still,  since  we  cannot  grasp  the  slippery  how, 
We  must  not  therefore  waste  the  precious  now  ! 

Time  moves  we  say:   and,  if  it  change,  then  we. 

Since  we  but  live  in  time eternity  ? — 

Tremendous  tho't !     so  great,  so  vast  our  doom  ! 
Ah!   whither  going  then — whence  are  we  conn-  ? 
Tossed  from  the  hand  of  God,  so  pure,  so  good. 
High,  o'er  creation  chief,  our  father  stood  ! 
All  Xature  smiled — and  lovely  Eden  trod 
The  man,  deep  on  him  stamped  the  image — God  ! 

The  tempter  came — his  subtle  schemes  applied, 
Our  father  sinned.     He  fell,  and  falling  died; 
'Tis  all  we  know,  though  speculation  sought. 
Still  seeks  to  know,  what  far  transcends  all  thought. 
Yet,  here  it  stands — its  sad  effects  we  know. 
And,  knowing,  should  avoid  the  curse — the  woe  ! 
'Tis  wisdom  to  escape  while  yet  we  may — 
Descending  thunderbolts  will  have  their  way ! 

And  how  escape  ?     Can  I  yet  tiee  the  rod  ? 
And,  flying,  shun  the  burning  eye  of  God  ? 
See  there,  on  yonder  wall  the  gleaming  sword 
The  trembling  sinner  warns  to  fear  the  Lord ! 
Alas  !  where  flow'rets  grew,  sad  Eden  mourns, 
And,  lo  !  the  blushing  rose  'mid  prickly  thorns  ! 
Sad  change !  yet,  'neath  the  earth-encircling  shroud, 
Some  hope-beams  softly  tinge  the  distant  cloud ! 


carrier's  address. 

The  curse  was  scarce  pronounced,  when  promised  stood 
A  Savi«»ur  there— the  pledge  of  future  good  ! 
Tho1  time  moved  slowly  on,  each  circling  year, 
Rehearsing,  sang  the  promised  day  more  near. 
Time  passed.     At  length  the  joyful  period  came. 
And  angels  sang,  and  men.  the  Saviour's  name! 
He  lived  and  died  ;   His  bloody  cross  now  stands 
Tin-  joy  of  Shem — the  hope  of  other  land-  ! 

reach  the  Gospel/?  now  the  record  runs. 
M  Whoe'er  believes  is  safe — condemned  who  shuns." 
But  how  shall  they,  who  have  not  heard,  believe  ? 
And  hear? — unless  the  Word  they  first  reeeh 
By  hearing  then  comes  faith  :  and  hearing  how? 
A  preached  Gospel  by  ! — What  duty  now  ? 
To  make  His  counsels  known — His  firm  decree: 
.«•  weary  souls.  I  save — come  unto  me." 

Ami  how?      X"  MATTER  how — in  various  ways  : 
The  pulpit,  book,  and  sheet — each  truth  display-. 
The  quantum  though  we  can't  define  exact. 

k-emed  but  just  to  state  the  simple  fact. 
The  object  sought,  by  diverse  means  we  reach, 
Myself  may  write — my  friend  prefer  to  preach. 
Men  differ,  thus,  in  taste — just  as  in  looks. 
Fair  speeches  charm  the  one,  another  books? 

Means  vary  then — ONE  STORY  all  rehearse! 
Truth  speaks — tb     g  shades  of  night  disp 

Dominions,  trembling,  fall — dark  systems  ceas  . 
And  on  their  ruins,  lo  !   the  tents  of  Peace  ! 
Jehovah  reigns  :  and  judgment  no\ 
in — the  end  of  GodV 
And  earth  redeemed,  and  heaven,  hell,  combine 
In  triumph,  thu  -  the  course  of  time  1 


66  BARTIMEUS. 

And  how  ? — we  answered  thus  :  "  In  various  ways  ! 
The  pulpit,  book,  and  sheet — each  truth  displays." 
And  here  I,  too,  would  now  the  chance  embrace. 
My  merits  thus  in  proper  light  to  place — 
'Tis  not  a  pleasant  task  ;  but  who  can  blame, 
If,  brief,  I  modestly  advance  my  claim  ? 
I'm  sure — this  is  quite  common  now-a-days — 
Each  champion  sounds  his  own  peculiar  praise  ! 

My  labors,  though  but  few,  are  not  so  small ; 
At  many  a  door,  I  made  my  weekly  call — 
From  many  a  flow'r  I  sipped  the  nectar  sweet. 
And  laid  it  humbly  at  my  Patrons7  feet — 
Good  news  at  home,  as  well  as  news  abroad, 
I,  modest,  told  in  child-like  fear  of  God — 
And  many  a  heart  with  anguish  sore  distrest, 
I  solaced  oft,  and  oft  the  mourner  blessed. 

'Tis  true,  the  wrath-cloud  moved  our  heads  above. 
And  much  obscured  sometimes  the  rules  of  love  ; 
Tho'  thunders  rolled,  and  lightnings  wounded  some. 
The  storm  is  o'er — a  cheering  calm  has  come. 
On  yonder  cloud,  the  rain-bow's  varied  hues, 
Sweet  peace  proclaim — a  year  of  happy  News. 
Here  stay  my  song — I  lay  mine  honors  down, 
Join,  angels,  men,  the  God  of  Peace  to  crown ! 


BARTIMEUS:  OR,  JESUS  AND  THE  BLIND  MAX. 

Close  by  the  way  the  blind  man  sat, 

And  mourned  his  cruel  fate  ; 
Requesting  alms  of  those  who  passed 

And  saw  his  sad  estate  : — 
He  sat  and  mused  within  his  heart, 

How  he  should  spend  the  day ; 


BABTIMEUS.  67 

When,  lo  !  a  large  and  num'rous  host 

Came  passing  by  that  way — 
Be  raised  his  head  and  gently  asked  : 

u  Who  comes  along  the  road  ?'? 
Winn  from  the  crowd  he  heard  a  voice, 

Which  said— "The  Sun  ofGod!" 
His  heart  was  Bad,  and  full  his  soul, 

He  longed  this  man  to  see — 
u  Thou  Sou  of  David,"  loud  he  cried, 

"  Have  mercy,  Lord,  on  me." 
The  thoughtless  crowd  his  prayer  heard 

And  bade  him  stop  his  plea  : 
But  Christ  rebuked  them,  and  exclaimed 

"('"111*'.  bring  this  man  to  me — 
1  love  to  hear  poor  sinner  cry. 

Nor  will  their  suit  disdain  : 
For  this  I  left  the  vaulted  sky. 

For  this  on  earth  remain  !" 
His  followers  feel  the  keen  rebuke. 

And  quick  his  word  obey: 
They  bring  before  the  Saviour's  feet, 

The  man  without  delay. 
u  What  wilt  thou,"  said  the  Saviour  kind. 

"  That  I  for  you  should  do— 
I  came  to  make  poor  sinners  whole, 

Shall,  likewise,  I  heal  YOU  ? 
Now,  when  the  beggar  heard  this  speech, 

He  felt  his  soul  rejoice, 
And  ventured,  thus,  in  humble  strain. 

To  raise  his  falt'ring  voice — 
••  1  wish,  dear  Lord,  that  thro'  Thy  word 

I  may  receive  my  sight : 
Thus  would  I  own  Thee  SoVreign  Lord. 

And  in  Thy  name  delight." 
The  Saviour,  touched,  in  love  responds — 


68  BARTIMEUS. 

"  Receive  thy  sight/'  He  saith  ; 
"  I  would  not  keep  thee  in  suspense. 

Thou  art  made  whole  by  faith.'' 
Soon  as  the  suppliant  heard  Him  speak, 

His  eye-sight  was  restored  : 
And  raising,  now,  his  ravished  eyes, 

The  Saviour  he  adored — 
And  all  the  crowd,  astonished  much, 

Now  spread  His  fame  abroad ; 
Raised  high  their  glad  and  joyous  songs, 

And  praised  the  Sov'reign  God  ! 
And,  now,  ye  sinners  poor  and  blind, 

Lend  to  my  voice  an  ear  ; 
And  while  I  freely  speak  my  thoughts, 

My  counsels  may  you  hear — 
You  know  our  Race  in  sin  is  steeped, 

By  nature  we  are  blind — 
A  darkness  worse  than  this  man  felt, 

Rests  on  the  human  mind  ; — 
And  should  not  you  to  Jesns  cry, 

And  ask  His  pard'ning  grace  ? 
Thus  only  shall  you  e'er  succeed, 

To  win  His  smiling  face. 
But  since  we  are  so  much  defiled, 

So  full  of  sin  and  shame, 
Dare  we  approach  His  mercy-seat, 

Or  trust  the  Saviour's  name  ? — 
Yes,  you  may  come  and  seek  His  grace. 

And  in  His  name  confide  ; 
His  grace  will  cleanse  your  foulest  guilt, 

His  name  your  sins  will  hide. 
What  tho'  your  sin  and  guilt  combined, 

Should  form  a  purple  flood — 
There's  mercy  in  the  Saviour's  name, 

There's  pardon  in  His  blood  ! 


GRATITUDE. 

Go — view  the  mighty  rivers — 

Go — view  the  purling  brooks, 
While  gently  they  are  dancing 

Along  the  rocky  nooks  ; 
They  gather  still  their  waters 

From  mountain  and  from  plain  : 
Then,  with  increased  volume, 

Return  them  to  the  main  ! 

Go — view  the  plant  so  tender, 

So  charming  and  so  fair  : 
From  earth  it  gathers  moisture, 

Inhales  the  balmy  air  ; 
Then  lovely  stands  it  blooming, 

Sweet  odors  sends  abroad  ; 
Its  leaflets,  now  descending, 

Enrich  the  lowly  sod  ! 

Go — view  the  sportive  insect. 

Now  glist'ning  in  the  sun  ; 
Its  life  is  but  a  shadow, 

Its  race  as  soon  is  run  ; 
And  yet  this  little  sporter, 

May  teach  a  lesson  rare  ; 
For,  lo  !  its  failing  parent 

It  feeds  with  tender  care  ! 


70  LINES    FOR    AN    ALBUM. 

Go,  man,  so  proud  and  boasting, 

Go — view  this  humble  train  ; 
Let  Nature  teach  thee  wisdom. 

Nor  scorn  its  simple  strain, 
Though  much  to  you  inferior, 

Receive  its  precepts  pure  ; 
Its  teachings  are  substantial, 

Of  this  you  may  be  sure  ! 

Go — aid  your  needv  neighbor, 

Go  to  his  mean  abode  ; 
Requite  his  love  with  favor, 

Commend  his  soul  to  God  ; 
Go — to  your  precious  Saviour 

A  song  of  triumph  raise  ; 
Go — sing  His  saving  power, 

And  spread  His  lofty  praise  ! 

Go — render  to  your  Maker, 

The  love  and  honor  due  ; 
'Twas  He  who  gave  you  being, 

His  hand  created  you  ; 
Why  should  not  you  be.  grateful, 

And  serve  the  Lord  in  love  ? 
Go — praise  your  God  and  Saviour, 

Who  reigns  and  rules  above ! 


LINES  FOR  AN   ALBUM. 

There  is  a  fount  whose  crystal  flow 
Spreads  life  and  peace  and  joy  below — 
There  is  a  spot  whose  charming  sight 
Resembles  much  the  world  of  light — 
There  is  a  song  whose  winning  strains 
Lift  up  the  soul  to  heaven's  plains — 


THE     HUH     MAN     AND     l..\Z.\i:i>. 

This  BONG  they  raise, 

In  solemn  praise, 
When  saints  on  earth  unite  to  sing 
The  grace  of  their  celestial  king — 
The  church  of  Christ  this  spot  we  count 
The  bikle  is  that  crystal  fount. 

In  life  and  death. 

With  gentle  breath. 
May  e'er  from  you,  dear  Christian  friend, 
To  Christ  this  charming  song  ascend — 
Within  His  church  still  may  you  dwell, 
Your  bible  love,  and  search  it  well  : 
So  shall  you  here  secure  His  grace. 
In  heavex  enjoy  His  smiling  FACE  I 


THE  RICH  MAX  AND   LAZARUS. 

There  was  a  man  in  sumptuous  style, 

Who  fared  from  day  to  day  : 
Whose  gorgeous  robes  and  linens   fine 

His  riches  did  display — 
There  was  a  beggar,  poor,  despised. 

Laid  at  the  rich  man's  gate  : 
His  frame  was  weak  and  full  of  sores, 

And  sad  was  his  estate. 
Poor  Laz'rus  craved  the  crumbs  which  fell 

From  off  the  rich  man's  board. 
Yet  none  but  dogs,  which  licked  his  sores, 

Would  friendly  aid  afford. 
As  time  passed  on  the  beggar  died, 

On  earth  distrest,  forlorn, 
To  Abr'ham's  bosom  swift  his  soul 

By  angels  bright  was  borne  ; 
The  rich  man  died,  and  was  interred, 


72  THE    RICH    MAX    AND     LAZARUS. 

In  hell  he  raised  his  eyes, 
And,  tortured,  saw  on  Abrham's  breast, 

Poor  Laz'rus  in  the  skies. 
"0  send  him,  Lord."  now  loud  he  cried, 

His  soul  with  anguish  wrung — 
"  That  he,  with  moistened  finger-tip. 

May  cool  my  parched  tongue  ; 
For,  in  this  gulf  of  dark  despair, 

Still  o'er  my  wretched  soul, 
The  pains  of  hell  and  deepest  woe 

In  flaming  torrents  roll!" 
But  Abr'ham  said,  "  Remember,  Son, 

In  life  thou  faredst  well, 
While  Laz'rus  felt  misfortune's  stings, 

His  sorrows  who  can  tell  ? 
And  now  he  feels  sweet  comfort  here, 

But  thou  the  keenest  pain, 
And,  thus,  it  shall  for  evermore 

With  him  and  you  remain  ; 
Besides  all  this,  a  gulf  is  fixed. 

That  they,  who  would  pass  hence, 
Are  forced  to  yield  their  cherished  hope, 

Xor  canst  thou  e'er  come  thence." 
"  Send  Laz'rus  forth,  I  pray  thee,  then, 

Quick  to  my  father's  house, 
That  from  their  deep  and  fatal  sleep 

My  brethren  he  may  'rouse, 
Lest  they  my  fate  should  also  share, 

And  come  to  this  dread  place, 
Where  torments  keen  and  endless  woes 

Await  our  sinful  race!" 
But  Abr'ham  said  in  kindly  tone, 

"  The  prophets  they  have  near, 
And  Moses,  too,  whom  God  hath  sent. 

These  let  your  brethren  hear." 


CHRISTIAN    ONION. 

The  rich  man,  now,  with  anguish  tossed, 

And  well-nigh  in  despair, 
Lifts  up  to  him  once  more  his  eyes. 

Ami  breathes  this  piteous  pray'r: 
••  Nay,  nay,  my  father  Abr'ham,  nay, 

Some  kindly  message  send; 
For,  if  one  from  the  dead  should  ria 

They  will  perchance  repent  !" 
Still  Abr'ham,  true  to  his  intent. 

Would  not  his  Lord  betray, 
But  answered,  thus,  in  faithful  strain. 

Nor  sternly  less  did  Bay: 
"  [f  they  will  not  the  prophets  hear. 

Nor  Moses  when  he  cries. 
They  would  not  listen,  tho'  one  spake 

Who  from  the  dead  did  rise." 
Thus  closed  the  scene,  and  each  remained 

Where  God  His  place  assigned, 
Li  heav'n  the  poor  man  was  enthroned. 

In  hell  the  rich  confined  ! 


CHRISTIAN   UNION— TO  A  FRIEND  AT  PARTING. 

There  is  a  strange — a  mystic  bond 

That  hplds  the  human  heart. 
And  breiketh  not.  tho'  we  be  called 

On  earth  awhile  to  part  : 

• 
It  is  that  bond  of  quenchless  love, 
Which  binds  the  happy  souls  above, 
And  sheds  on  man's  deep-fallen  race 
A  halo  bright  of  matchless  grace. 

Where'er  we  be 

On  land  or 


74  THE    SINNER    SAVED. 

May  still  this  bond  'tween  us  subsist. 
In  clearest  light  or  darkest  mist, 
To  keep  our  souls  with  sw^eet  accord 
United  firm  in  Christ  our  Lord  ; 

And  on  our  way 

To  endless  day. 
Whene'er  we  seek  the  Saviour's  face. 
Enjoy  His  love  and  sing  His  grace, 
Then  may  we  feel  a  brother's  care, 
And  seek  for  him  a  blessing  there. 

Thus  may  we  love  each  other  still, 
While  on  Life's  stormy  sea  ; 

And  each  breathe  out  this  tender  pray'r, 
Dear  friend,  remember  me  ! 


THE  SINNER  SAVED. 

The  sinner  lay  upon  his  couch, 

With  deep-dejected  look ; 
And,  as  he  thought  of  future  scenes. 

His  soul  with  horror  shook — 
He  raised  his  head,  and  deeply  sighed, 

"  Have  mercy,  Lord,"  he  said, 
"  Nor  let  Thy  vengeance,  long  deserved, 

Fall  on  my  guilty  head ! 

u  Tho'  long  Thy  grace  I  have  despised, 

And  so  Thy  love  abused, 
That,  when  Thy  goodness  I  beheld, 

Thy  mercy  I  refused  ; 
Yet,  save  me,  Lord — with  pity  heed 

My  groans,  my  sighs,  my  tears  ; 
And  with  compassion  now  regard 

My  terrors  and  my  fears." 


THE    SINNER    SAVED. 

Thus  prayed  the  sinner,  poor,  distn 
And  smitten  deep  with  guilt, 

When  vengeance  swept  the  sands  away 
On  which  his  hopes  were  built ; 

But,  as  he  prayed,  distract  with  fear-. 
He  heard  a  loving  voice, 

Which,  while  it  filled  his  eyes  with  tears, 
Did  make  his  pool  rejoice! 

He  heard — it  was  the  voice  of  God. 

Nor  did  its  strains  delay — 
It  bade  him  now  with  joyful  haste 

Wipe  all  his  tears  away  ; 
••  For  I/'  said  He,  u  have  seen  and  heard. 

Above  the  starry  skies, 
Thy  sighs  and  groans,  thy  sorrow  deep, 

Thy  hitter  tears  and  eric-."' 

Oh  !  how  his  happy  soul  rejoiced, 
And  how  his  heart  did  leap, 

When,  thus,  in  kind  and  friendly  tone- 
He  heard  the  Saviour  speak : 

He  raised  his  streaming  eyes  on  high 
And  blessed  His  sacred  Xame, 

While  thro'  the  earth  he  spread  abroad 
The  honors  of  the  Lamb. 

And  sinners,  now,  he  sought  to  teach 

The  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
How  He  had  made  His  counsels  known. 

Sweet  mercies  in  His  word — 
Where,  for  each  sin  of  deepest  dye, 

A  pardon  rich  is  found, 
A  healing  oil  for  ev'rv  heart. 

A  balm  for  ev'rv  wound. 


76  WORTH    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

The  things  he  once  so  highly  prized, 

And  scenes  he  loved  before, 
Lost  all  their  beauty  to  his  soul, 

He  felt  their  charms  no  more  ; 
But,  in  their  stead,  and  nobler  far 

The  things  of  God  appear  ; 
He  loves  to  be  where  Christians  meet, 

He  longs  their  voice  to  hear. 

And  why  should  not  the  saint  delight 

To  linger  where  he  hears 
The  voice  that  soothed  his  aching  heart. 

And  quite  removed  his  fears  ? 
Why  should  not  he  delight  to  sing 

God's  praise  in  joyful  strain  ? 
For  all  things  do  him  pleasure  bring 

Whose  soul  is  born  again. 

Then  marvel  not,  ye  mortals,  steeped 

In  sin  and  guilt  and  shame, 
That  he,  who  feels  the  Saviour's  grace, 

Should  love  to  sing  His  name  ; 
For  tho'  the  earth  should  pass  away, 

And  stars  should  leave  their  train, 
The  saint,  that's  washed  in  Jesus'  blood, 

In  Jesus  will  remain  ! 


WORTH  OF  THE  BIBLE. 

How  perfect  is  Thy  word,  0  Lord, 
Its  doctrines  how  divine  ; 

It  spreads  salvation  all  abroad, 
And  makes  the  nations  Thine  ! 


child's  morning   iivm\. 

On  every  page  stands  forth  Thy  will, 

In  characters  of  gold  ; 
Thy  wonders — we  can  read  them  still. 

Tim'  done  in  times  of  old. 

Mercy  and  truth  and  love  combined, 

To  sinful  men  made  known. 
Here  stand  to  welcome  both  refined 

And  vulgar  to  Thy  throne! 

But,  if  we  thus  in  goodness  trust. 

On  love  and  grace  rely, 
We  also  find  our  Maker  just 

To  let  the  wicked  die  ! 

He's  sov'reign  Lord  of  heav'n  and  earth, 
And  all  that's  in  them  found  ; 

So  doth  He  in  His  word  declare, 
And  in  His  works  abound  ! 


CHILD'S  MORNING   HYMN. 

Soon  as  the  dewy  morn  appears. 

My  waking  thoughts,  ascend  on  high  ! 
Far,  far  away  my  slavish  fears. 

(rod  gently  calls — His  grace  is  nigh  ! 

Xot  earth  shall  fill  my  peaceful  mind 
With  inward  terror  or  dismay — 

In  mercy's  smiles  my  soul  shall  find 
The  gentle  beams  of  heav'nly  day  ! 

Away,  ye  sinful  thoughts,  depart 
Far  as  the  East  is  from  the  West — 

Earth's  cares  shall  not  engross  my  heart, 
Or  e'er  disturb  my  soul's  sweet  rest ! 


THE    VICTOR    SLAIN. 

These  sacred  moments  will  I  seize 
To  fix  my  thoughts  on  things  above  : 

Dear  Saviour,  fill  my  soul  with  peace, 
Iffy  spirit  sway  with  heavenly  love  ! 

So  shall  my  feet  delight  to  roam 

The  path  which  Thou  Thyself  hast  trod. 

The  road  that  leads  me  safely  home, 
That  brings  me  to  my  gracious  God  ! 


THE  VICTOR  SLAIN. 

The  drunkard  lay  beside  the  curb, 

His  pulse  was  beating  high  ; 
He  felt  a  strangeness  in  his  brains, 

But  could  not  say  just  why  ; 
To  speak  the  truth,  his  mind  was  goue, 

And  reason's  light  had  fled ; 
Xor  did  he  know  that  brick  and  stone 

Were  now  his  only  bed. 

The  boys  were  tripping  up  and  down, 

And  saw  the  drunkard  lie, 
But  no  one  dared  to  speak  a  word,  ■ 

Or  ventured  to  come  nigh, 
Till,  all  at  once,  a  lad  appeared 

More  daring  than  the  rest, 
Who  in  this  keen  and  simple  strain 

The  wretched  man  addressed : 

"  My  friend,  what  mean  you  thus  to  lie, 

Exposed  to  vilest  shame, 
While  men  are  passing  thickly  by 

And  lisp  thy  former  fame  ? 


THE    VICTOR    MAIN. 

Arise,  and  let  thy  country  see 
Thy  aame  again  restored 

To  what  it  was  when  soldiers  brave 
Thy  presence  nigh  adored.'' 

The  people,  now,  with  wonder  struck. 

Approached  the  dubious  scene, 
And  asked  with  keen  inquiring  look 

What  once  the  man  had  been. 
The  youth  resuming  now  his  speech, 

Tho'  trembling  and  afraid. 
Replied  with  more  than  usual  skill. 

As  thus  he  briefly  said  : 

u  This  man  was  not  in  former  days 

What  he,  alas,  is  now  ; 
For  then  a  wreath  of  purest  fame 

Sat  on  his  victor-brow  ; 
The  seat  of  war  his  valor  knew, 

And  glory  crowned  the  man, 
When  thousands  he  to  battle  drew, 

And  led  the  conq'ring  van. 

"  But  now,  alas,  his  fame  is  gone, 

His  mind  is  but  a  wreck  ; 
Xor  can  a  power  short  of  God's 

The  dread  disaster  check — 
Yet,  let  the  drunkard  know  your  love, 

Your  sweet  compassion  share  ; 
Perhaps  he  may  regain  his  strength, 

Xor  sink  to  dark  despair." 

The  people  heard  this  short  harangue, 
And  praised  the  patriot  lad, 

While  he  rehearsed  the  hero's  tale, 
So  tender  and  so  sad. 


80  child's  evening  hymn. 

And  now  their  eyes  are  turned  to  him 
Who  on  the  pavement  lay. 

That  they  might  see  if  aught  of  fame 
His  features  did  betray. 

They  saw  still  on  his  arched  brow 

And  o'er  his  furrowed  face, 
Of  greatness  many  a  signal  mark, 

Of  genius  many  a  trace  : 
And  viewing  now  his  lot  so  mean. 

The  contrast  was  so  great — 
They  could  but  shed  a  silent  tear, 

And  mourn  his  sad  estate. 

While  thinking  on  the  drunkard's  lot, 

And  on  his  former  fame, 
A  feeling  strange  quick  to  the  heart 

Of  each  spectator  came. 
They  shrink,  and  as  they  sadly  muse, 

Their  feelings  who  can  tell  ? 
The  man  sinks  to  a  drunkard's  grave. 

And  to  a  drunkard's  hell  ! 


CHILD'S  EVENING  BYMN. 

The  mountain  peaks,  so  green  and  gay, 
Bright  gilded  by  the  setting  sun, 

United  sing  the  close  of  day, 

And  show  his  wonted  course  is  run  ! 

The  evening  shades  just  now  appear. 
And  spread  their  dusky  hues  abroad  : 

All  Nature  speaks  His  presence  near, 
And  chants  a  solemn  lay  to  God  ! 


SWEET    SURPRISE.  81 

Let  me  with  Nature  raise  my  voice 

And  sing  to  God  a  cheerful  song  ; 
My  soul  in  Him  would  e'er  rejoice, 

Ami  still  the  Saviour's  praise  prolong! 

These  Bacred  moments  well  may  serve 

To  raise  my  soul  to  worlds  above  ; 
And,  while  I  would  Thy  grace  rehearse, 

Fill  Thou  my  soul  with  heav'nly  love ! 

Let  all  my  powers  Thy  name  adore 
And  speak  abroad  Thy  saving  grace  ; 

Here  may  I  feel  Thy  favor  more, 
In  heaven  enjoy  Thy  smiling  face  ! 


SWEET  SURPRISE. 

I  passed  by  the  church-door, 

The  building  along, 
And  heard,  all-enraptured. 

A  charming  sweet  song — 
The  song  of  the  ransomed. 

Ascending  on  high 
From  spirits  where  Jesus 

With  power  was  nigh  ! 

Its  soft-flowing  cadence. 

Its  echoes  so  sweet, 
Prevailed  on  my  spirit 

To  seek  the  retreat  : 
I  entered  the  building, 

And  found  on  the  spot. 
Much  people  assembled 

To  worship  their  God  ! 


82  SWEET    SURPRISE. 

Their  songs  of  rejoicing — 

Their  sweet-sounding  strain, 
Bro't  feelings  oft-cherished 

To  mem'ry  again — 
I  shared  their  rejoicings, 

Their  love  in  full  tide, 
As.  cheerful  in  prayer, 

T  kneeled  by  their  side  ! 

Then,  0,  what  sweet  raptures, 

My  soul  did  enjoy, 
While  anthems  were  chanted, 

Which  angels  employ  ! 
There  peace,  far  surpassing 

What  mind  can  conceive, 
Distilled  on  my  spirit, 

Its  pains  to  relieve  ! 

The  song  of  redemption, 

The  song  of  sweet  praise. 
Our  spirits  still  lingered 

In  concert  to  raise  ; 
And,  0,  the  sweet  feelings, 

The  joys  of  the  soul, 
Like  waves  of  the  ocean 

Continued  to  roll ! 

And,  then,  on  the  pinions 

Of  faith  and  of  love, 
Our  spirits  still  mounted 

To  regions  above — 
Where,  with  the  bright  angels 

All  praising  His  name, 
We  still  were  rejoicing 

In  Jesus  the  Lamb  ! 


THE    9ABBATH.  B3 

et,  blissful  devotion, 

So  lofty  and  pure  ! 
Thy  scenes  of  rejoicing. 

Shall  ever  endure  | 
For,  in  that  bright  region. 

Where  Cod  doth  abide, 
This  song  of  redemption 

Flows  on  in  full  tide  ! 


THE  SABBATH. 


Lo  !  the  Sabbath  day  is  dawning. 

Christian,  trim  thy  golden  lamp  ! 
Let  its  flame  be  brightly  burning, 

Let  it  bear  the  royal  stamp  ! 
May  Dot  sin,  thy  mind  diverting. 

FVr  engross  thy  thoughts  to-day  ; 
( )h  !  attend  the  Saviour's  warning, 

And  give  ear  to  what  He'll  say  ! 

See,  He  comes  to  meet  His  people, 

(rath'ring  round  His  sacred  shrine  : 
There,  before  His  altar  kneeling. 

All  shall  taste  His  love  divine  ! 
Come  then,  Christians,  hasten  hither. 

Come  prepared  in  heart  and  mind  : 
Here,  to-day.  by  humbly  seeking. 

All,  wh<»  will,  their  God  may  find. 

Let  the  day  be  with  thee  sacred. 
And  thv  thoughts  be  fixed  above! 

Seek  thy  Saviour's  irracious  presence, 
Seek  His  sweet  and  boundless  love'! 


84 

INVOCATION. 

So  the  Sabbath  thee  shall  comfort, 

Cheer  thee  on  thy  weary  way — 

Till,  at  length,  in  yonder  mansions. 

Thou  shalt  spend  an  endless  day ! 

INVOCATION. 

Come,  gracious  Spirit,  tune  my  heart, 

While  I  would  sing  Thy  praise — 

Come,  and  inspire  my  languid  tongue. 

To  heaven  my  feelings  raise — 

So  shall  I  still  Thy  wonders  sing, 

And  praise  to  God  my  Saviour  bring ! 

E'en  as  the  dawning  day  appears 

And  spreads  the  shades  of  night, 

So  on  this  poor,  benighted  soul 

Shed  beams  of  heavenly  light — 

0,  let  me  feel  Thy  presence  near, 

Xo  more  let  sin  in  me  appear ! 

For,  as  the  dew-drops  gently  fall 

Wide  o'er  the  sterile  ground, 

And  make  its  parch'd  and  desert  soil 

In  richest  fruits  abound — 

So  let  Thy  grace  still  life  impart 

To  this  my  drear,  my  failing  heart ! 

Yea,  come,  enrich  me  with  Thy  grace, 

And  shed  Thy  love  abroad ; 

So  shall  I  early  seek  Thy  face — 

Shall  seek  my  gracious  God  ; 

Then,  come,  with  beams  of  mercy  shine 

Upon  this  aching  heart  of  mine  ! 

STORM   AT  SKA. 

Dark  o'er  the  storm-tossed,  spraying  deep  it  hung, 
A  murky  cloud  with  sportive  lightning  charged. 
Displaying  still  its  strange  and  varied  scenes 
Of  light  and  darkness  mixed.      Silent  it  stood 
As  if  it  dared  the  boist'rous  deep  beneath  ; 
Anon,  the  coming  stormr  uptossing  high. 
Disturbed  the  wondrous,  ever-shifting  scene; 
Within  the  huge  and  strangely-poised  cloud 
The  livid  lightnings  played.     The  rushing  tide 
Up-beaves  the  billowy,  splashing  deep  beneath. 
And  surging  wave  on  wave  succeeds  ;  and,  lo, 
The  ocean  rocks.     Deep  sounds  are  heard  around  ; 
And  fragile  barks,  'neath  which  the  waters  boil, 
Are  rudely  tossed  about ;  and  all  is  noise, 
And  tumult,  with  alarm.     A  brilliant  flash 
Of  lightning  blinds  the  eye,  and  strikes  the  soul 
With  dread.     In  zigzag  line  it  darts  athwart 
The  murky  sky  ;  and.  in  the  distance,  there 
Is  heard  the  mutt'ring  thunder;  loud  peal  to 
Peal  succeeds.     The  dark,  cerule  deep  reflects 
The  brilliant  lightning  flash.     The  souls  of  men 
Who  on  its  bosom  sail  deep  horror    stirs  ; 
And  trembling,  now.  they  grasp  the  rocking  ship 
•  'er  the  boist'rous  deep  it  scuds.     Despair — 
Dark,  stern,  despair  on  ev'ry  countenance  sits. 
As  eye  meets  eye,  and  ghastly  visage  looks 
On  fare  as  grim,  and  quiv'ring  lips  reply 


86  STORM     AT     SEA. 

To  quiv'ring  lips — the  trembling  hand  is  seen 
To  clasp  such  trembling  hand,  and  piteous  groans 
In  other  hearts  such  death-like  groans  awake. 
And  burning  tears  to  tears  of  brine  respond  ! 
As  scenes  like  these,  confront  the  eye  of  man, 
The  sturdy  soul  shrinks  back  in  horror  deep, 
And  well-nigh  yields  to  fate.     Destruction   e'en 
And  sudden  death  less  dreaded  are  than  they  ! 
Scenes,  such  as  these,  do  probe  the  hearts  of  men, 
And  show  what  are  their  hopes  and  aims  beyond 
The  present  world.     The  Christian,  who  has  learned 
To  place  his  trust  in  things  unseen,  and  seeks 
In  yonder  world  a  life  which  fadeth   not — 
Who  lays  up  treasures  where  no  thief  can  come 
And  rob  him  of  his  wealth,  rejoiceth  then, 
And  hopes,  anon,  to  see  his  Father's  face. 
But  he,  who  lives  a  sinner,  proud,  and  scorns 
To  bow  before  his  Maker's  throne,  now  feels 
His  vitals  freeze  with  chill  and  deadly  fears; 
And  on  his  scornful  brow  there  sits  enthroned 
A  desperation  wild  :     While  hell  beneath 
Him  opens  wide  its  jaws  to  circumvene 
And  lodge  him  in  its  fiery  womb.     Ah  !  then 
What  horror  fills  his  soul !     He  weeps,  he  mourns  : 
He  calls  for  help.     His  heart,  that  earlier  scorned 
To  show  dependence  on  a  higher  Power, 
And,  thus,  his  Sovereign  God  acknowledge, 
Now  fails  him  5  and  the  frail  and  reeling  bark 
Doth  witness  scenes  of  earnest,  piteous,  pray'r. 
His  streaming  eyes  are  raised  to  God  ;  and,  on 
That  deck,  beneath  the  expanded  star-lit 
Heavens,  he  humbly  bends  his  knees.     N"o  more 
Doth  him  the  shame  of  man  deter  yielding 
To  his  Maker,  God,  and  rend'ring  homage 
To  Him  who  rules  in  heav 'n,  on  earth,  in  hell  ! 


BPRIKG. 

Thus  on  the  troubled  deep  the  lightnings  play, 

And  thunders  roll  along  the  mantled  sky. 
While  lawless  storms  upheave  the  watery  deep 
And  loss  the  dashing  spray.     The  massive  ships, 

Those  monuments  of  human  art  and  skill. 
Are  tossed  upon  the  rough  and  foaming  deep. 
Till  naught  but  sad  and  floating  wrecks  remain. 
To  those  who  sail  upon  the  storm-tossed  main 
At  such  an  hour,  a  BCene  like  this  displays 
A  spectacle  at  once  sublime  and  grand  I 
One,  indeed,  looks  on  with  sweet  composure. 
And  feels  a  peace  within  before  unknown  ; 
Beside  him  stands  another,  filled  wilh  dread. 
His  guilty  soul  o'erwhelmed  with  fear  of  hell ! 


SPRING. 


Sweet  Spring  !   Thou  com'st  in  such  a  lovely  guise, 
And  in  such  beauties  clad,  that,  spell-bound,  we 
Thy  charms  admire,  and  hail  thee  with  delight ! 
Thou  usher'st  in  thy  reign  with  sweetest  notes 
And  all-harmonious  strains  of  warbling  birds  ; 
The  woods  and  hills  are  vocal  with  their  songs. 
Which,  re-echoing,  greet  th'  enraptured  ear 
Of  such  as  roam  these  lone  and  charming  wilds  ! 

The  bland,  soft  air  of  balmy  morn  is  filled 

With  music  sweet  j  and  evening  zephyrs. 

Gently  whispering,  speak  their  sad,  pathetic 

Tales  of  love,  and  o'er  us  waft  sweet  odors — 

The  fragrant  breath  of  blooming  trees  exhaled  ; 

And  sunny  noon,  alike  with  morn  and  eve, 

Displays  its  charms.     Aye,  strangely  pleasing  scenes 

Cheer  night  and  day,  while  thou,  sweet  spring,  art  nigh! 


88 


No  more  stern  winter  seals  the  gurgling  brooks — 
The  streamlets  wild,  from  crystal  bonds  released. 
Now  nimbly  dance  full  many  a  long,  lone  dav. 
In  winding  course,  thro'  verdant,  meads  and  dales  ; 
And,  in  the  streams — the  clear  and  rushing  tide — 
The  num  rous  finny  tribes  now  sportive  plav, 
And  nimbly  dart  along  the  silvery  crest, 
While  on  its  bosom  gleams  the  morning  sun  ! 


Oh!   how  thy  charms,  sweet  Spring,  my  soul  elate. 
And  fill  me  with  delight !     Ecstatic  joys 
Sweep  o'er  my  ravished  breast ;  and  lovely  scenes 
Of  meadows,  clothed  in  living  green,  and  groves 
With  opening  blooms  of  diverse  tints  adorned, 
And  charming  music,  from  a  thousand  tongues, 
In  concert  tuned,  all  strike  mine  eves  and  ears, 
And  'mind  my  soul  of  Heav'n's  eternal  spring  ! 

Then  hail,  sweet  Spring!  Suggestive  of  the  dawn  of  life, 
When  from  these  earthly  scenes  my  soul  shall  pass 
To  yonder  lovelier,  brighter,  scenes  on  high  ! 
Thou  lead'st  me  back  where  erst  the  morning  stars 
In  concert  sang,  and  all  the  sons  of  God 
Did  shout  for  joy.     Thy  life-clad  hills,  so  fair, 
And  newly-opening  blooms  remind  me  all 
Of  scenes  like  those  of  resurrection  morn  ! 

0  Saint !  how  will  that  morn  of  days, 'and  spring 
Of  years,  delight  and  charm  thy  ravished  soul ! 
Delightful  morn  to  thee  !     The  mellowed  songs 
Of  angels  pure  and  saints  shall  greet  thine  ear ; 
And  melting  strains  from  golden  harps,  and  tongues 
With  sacred  fire  touched,  shall  in  thy  bosom 
Find  an  echo — a  kindred  cord,  which  shall 
With  rapture  sweet  and  joy  to  them  respond  ! 


VISIONS  OF  HEAVEN. 

Stern  winter  had  vanished.  BO  drear  and  so  long. 
And  woodland  and  valley  wvrv  vocal  with  song. 
Asldown  a  lone  meadow  I  pensively  strayed 

All-studded  with  flowers — in  beauty  arrayed. 

Each  object,  encountered,  seemed  pleasant  and  new, 
And  exquisite  beauties  stood  forth  to  my  view  ; 
All,  all  was  so  simple,  so  lovely  and  fair — 
With  Nature.  BO  charming.  ().  what  can  compare? 

The  gay-dancing  streamlet  that  flowed  by  my  side 
Made  music  so  simple  aud  free  from  all  pride ; 
Its  soft-flowing  cadence — its  echoes  so  sweet 
Bro't  scenes  to  remembrance  with  rapture  replete. 

I  tho't  of  that  music  whose  soft-flowing  strains, 
Distilling  like  dew-drops  on  Bethlehem's  plain-. 
Gave  "  glory  to  God."  and  to  mortals  forlorn 
Proclaimed  the  good  news  that  a  Saviour  was  born. 

I  thought  of  that  moment  when  first  on  my  view 
Brake  scenes  of  Redemption  so  rich  and  so  w 
When  Jesus,  who  saw  me  in  gloominess  grope, 
Became  to  my  spirit  the  u  day-spring"  of  hope  ! 

I  thought  of  yon  Temple — sweet  portals  of  bliss — 
And  mansions  we  enter  when  called  to  leave  this, 
The  Home  of  the  pilgrim,  once  wearied  below, 
And  oceans  of  pleasure  anmingled  with  woe  ! 


90  THE    VOICE    OE    PRAISE. 

I  tho't  of  that  pureness — the  sweetness  and  love, 
The  beauty  that  reigns  in  the  mansions  above; 
These  visions — so  lovely,  so  blissful,  divine — 
This  beauty,  dear  reader,  this  sweetness,  be  thine  ! 


ROSES  ON  A  GRAVE. 

Wherefore,  Roses,  do  you  bloom  ? 
Asks  one  trav'ling  to  the  tomb  ; 
Therefore,  stranger,  that  we  cheer 
Freelv  thee,  while  thou  art  here  ! 


THE  VOICE  OF  PRAISE. 

I  saw  a  little  sportive  bird 

Of  golden  plumage,  fair, 
Its  sweeter  notes  of  music  heard 

Soft-floating  on  the  air — 
I  saw,  and  flow'rs  of  various  hue 

Bedecked  the  turf  I  trod, 
And  all.  tho'  silent,  seemed  to  say 

Behold  our  Maker  God  ! 

I  saw  the  crystal  streamlet  flow 

In  playful  mood  along, 
And  from  its  simple  music  rose 

To  God  a  grateful  song — 
I  saw  the  starry  hosts  above 

Illume  the  dismal  night, 
And  all  their  gentle  raylets  strove 

To  praise  th'  Eternal  Light ! 


L08T     \\n     SAVED.  91 

I  -aw.  and  at  Creation's  head 

A  loftier  being  Btood, 
Saw  Man  with  tar  Bublin 

With  nobler  pow'ra  endued  ; 

Ami  shall  not  hk  sincerely  strive 

His  silver  voice  to  raise — 
Look  up  to  (rod  with  cheerful  heart. 

And  sing  His  endless  praise? 


LOST   A  XD   SAVED. 

The  full-sail  ship  securely  rode, 

Slow  on  the  dancing  main. 
While  sailors  viewed,  with  cheerful  eye, 

The  beauteous  marble  plain  ; 
Hut  soon  a  murky  cloud  appeared. 

Poised  in  the  distant  skv. 
And  as  Thev  watched,  they  trembling  saw 

The  gathering  storm  draw  nigh. 

The  heavens,  awhile  before  so  bright, 

Xow  tinged  with  deepest  gloom, 
Presaged  a  storm  that  soon  should  rise 

And  seal  their  threatened  doom : 
The  boist'rous  deep  is  tossed  and  torn, 

The  sailing  bark  is  checked — 
The  vessel  breaks — the  cargo  sinks — 

The  wretched  crew  is  wrecked  ! 

Yet  many  a  one  the  danger  braved, 
And.  struggling  with  The  Title, 

Was  from  the  angry  witters  sa 
And  saw  the  storm  subside. 


92  LOST    AXD     SAVED. 

Thus,  rescued  from  a  watery  graveT 
And  safely  brought  to  shore. 

They  praise  Him  who  is  strong  to  save. 
And  laud  Him  evermore  I 

I,  too,  was  once  on  board  a  ship, 

Stanch,  sailing  on  the  deep, 
Xo  gathering  storm  around  me  raged, 

To  break  my  sinful  sleep  ; 
The  world  T  viewed  with  calm  repose. 

Its  pleasures  I  enjoyed — 
No  serious  view  of  coming  wrath, 

My  busied  thoughts  employed. 

Thus  calmly  on  the  storm-tossed  deep, 

My  bark  securely  rode, 
While  in  the  thickest  gloom  of  night, 

My  careless  soul  abode  ; 
But  He,  whose  mercy  I  despised, 

Whose  grace  I  thrust  aside, 
My  fears  alarmed,  and  kindly  said  : 

"  Canst  thou  my  wrath  abide  ?" 

From  that  dread  hour  my  fear  increased, 

My  feelings  who  could  tell  ? 
From  every  hope  my  soul  had  ceased, 

And  feared  a  dismal  hell ; 
The  gathering  storm  drew  nearer  still, 

Its  gloom  obscured  my  path, 
While  o'er  my  soul  suspended  hung, 

The  glittering  sword  of  wrath  ! 

My  hopes  are  gone,  and  deep  despair 
Invades  my  trembling  soul ; 

Above  is  wrath — beneath  I  see 
Hell's  fiery  billows  roll — 


.ii  srs  a i.i.  i\    m.i.                            '•:; 

But  .Jesus  comes — His  pity  moves 

As  He  m 

v  state  beholds  -. 

My  cries  He  hears — within  His  arm-. 

His  want 

'ring  child  He  folds — 

A  hcav'nly 

peace  my  soul  pervades, 

Xo  terrors  are  abroad — 

My  joy  is  full,  since  deep  is  hid 

'"My  life 

with  Christ  in  God." 

JESUS   ALL   IX   ALL. 

Jesus ! 

Xame  most  dear  to  me, 

Jesus  ! 

all  that  eye  can  see, 

Jesus ! 

all  that  heart  can  taste, 

Jesus ! 

Thou  of  all  the  best ! 

Jesus ! 

Thou  my  daily  food, 

Jesus 

Thou  my  only  good, 

Jesus  ! 

Thou  my  portion  now, 

Jesus ! 

mine  for  ever  Thou  ! 

Jesus  ! 

Thee  alone  I  seek, 

Jesus 

rapt  of  Thee  I  speak, 

Jesus 

Thee  my  Love  I  call, 

Jesus 

Thee  my  alt.  in  all  ! 

Jesus 

Thee  in  health  I  love, 

Jesus ! 

Thee  in  sickness  prove, 

Jesus ! 

Thee  in  life  T  own — 

Jesus ! 

Thee  in  death  alone  ! 

Jesus 

when  my  life  is  o'er, 

Jesus  1 

when  on  Canaan's  shore, 

Jesus 

when  I'm  safe  at  home, 

Jesus 

Thee  I'll  praise  alone ! 

94  THE     CHARMS    OF    RELIGION. 

Jesus  !  when  the  skies  have  oped, 
Jesus  !  when  in  glory  robed, 
Jesus  !  Thou  my  joy,  my  love, 
Jesus  !  Life  in  realms  above  ! 


THE  CHARMS  OF  RELIGION. 

There's  sweetness  in  the  mellowed  strains 

That  strike  the  ear  at  break  of  day, 
When  Nature  from  her  slumber  wakes, 

And  feathered  warblers  chant  their  lay ! 
But  sweeter  far  that  song  so  choice 

Which  angels  sang  on  Bethl'hem's  plains, 
And  sweeter  still  my  Saviour's  voice 

Which  now  my  beating  heart  enchains  ! 

There's  grandeur  in  the  noon-day  sun, 

And  beauty  in  the  moon's  soft  beams. 
There's  splendor  in  yon  starry  host, 

Whose  brightness  'mid  the  darkness  gleams  : 
But  glorious  more  than  mid-day  sun, 

Than  moon's  soft  beams  more  lovely  far, 
Much  brighter  than  yon  glittering  host. 

Is  He — my  soul's  bright  morning  star! 

There's  music  in  the  gurgling  brooks, 

And  grandeur  in  the  rushing  tide  ; 
Romantic  scenes  my  vision  meet 

On  yon  majestic  mountain  side  : 
But,  high  above  those  vaulted  skies, 

Where  suns  in  brightest  glory  shine. 
Far  nobler  scenes  attract  mine  eyes. 

There  sits  my  Saviour  all-divine  ! 


OLO R v    ok    Tin:   CROSS.  (.»"> 

There's  magic  in  the  world  of  thought, 

And  glory  in  the  depths  of  mind, 
There's  pleasure  in  sweet  friendship's  smile, 

And  joy  in  converse  with  mankind  ; 
But  brighter,  sweeter,  is  that  world. 

Whose  beauties  eye  hath  never  seen, 
Whose  music  ne'er  has  touched  the  ear, 

Xor  charms  by  heart  conceived  have  been  ! 

There's  vastness  in  creation  round, 

And  wisdom  in  the  world  displayed  ; 
There's  beauty  in  its  life-clad  plains 

And  trees  in  richest  robes  arrayed  ; 
But,  in  yon  world  where  Jesus  reigns, 

Far  lovlier  scenes  attract  my  view, 
There  all  is  life,  and  love,  and  peace — 

There  all  through  endless  ages  new  ! 

There's  sweetness  in  the  balmy  morn, 

And  softness  in  the  twilight  gray, 
There's  quiet  in  the  midnight  gloom, 

And  charms  are  in  the  gleam  of  day ; 
But,  0,  ten  thousand  times  more  sweet, 

More  soft  the  dawn  of  that  bright  morn, 
When  I,  'mid  sweet  seraphic  strains, 

Shall  to  mv  Saviour's  side  be  borne  ! 


(J LORY  OF  THE  CROSS. 

The  cross  !  the  cross  !     Stupendous  theme. 

So  vast,  so  deep — profound  abyss  ! 
Deep  as  the  utmost  verge  of  hell, 

And  high  as  yonder  world  of  bliss  ! 
The  vasty  spheres  that  whirl  in  space, 

And  stars  that  burn  in  distance  far, 


96  WHERE    ARE    THEY  ? 

Yon  worlds  unknown,  no  eye  can  trace, 
And  suns  and  moons  thy  glory  share  ! 
Blest,  bloody  cross  !     Thrice  dear  to  me, 

On  which  my  Saviour,  Jesus,  died  5 
Sweet,  sacred  cross  !  I  gaze  on  thee, 
And,  gazing,  in  that  blood  confide. 

Which  seals  my  bliss, 
And  yonder,  in  that  "  book  of  Life," 
Records  my  name  ! 


"WHERE  ARE  THEY?' 

Say,  where  are  they,  the  path  who  trod, 

That  leads  to  Zion's  hill — 
Who  with  us  praised  their  Saviour  God, 

With  voices  soft  and  still? 
0  where  are  they,  who,  mourning  sin 

With  floods  of  burning  tears, 
Looked  up  to  God,  found  solace  there, 

A  balm  for  all  their  fears  ? 

Say,  where  are  now  those  lovely  bands 

Of  Christians,  young  and  old, 
Whose  cheerful  hearts  and  beaming  eyes, 

Their  bliss — their  fervor  told  ? 
Whose  burning  hearts  and  voices  clear, 

In  concert  oft  and  sweet, 
To  God  arose — to  praise  His  Name, 

With  joy  and  bliss  replete  ! 

Ah!  tell  me  but  where  summer  scenes, 
Where  flow'rets  bright  and  gay — 

Whose  fragrance  sweet  rejoiced  the  night, 
Whose  beauty  cheered  the  day — 


new-tsar's  greeting. 

Where  they  are  gone,  there  too  are  those, 

Of  whom  we  now  complain — 
Their  former  joy — their  bliss  is  gone — 
When-  pleasure  was.  Is  pain] 


NEW-YEAR'S  GREETING. 

A i.i.  hail!  ye  Patrons,  film  and  true, 
A  ,%  happy"  New-year  greetetb  you  ! 


'.Tis  custom — and,  I  cannot  sav  'tis  wrong 
For  Carrier-boys  to  sing  a  New-year's  song  : 
To  greet  their  Patrons  in  appropriate  lines, 
Ami.  with  the  new  year,  wish  them  easy  times. 

But  hand  me,  first,  a  little  ''chink" — 

I'm  sure  'twill  help  my  head  to  think  : 

And — on  receiving  ready  cash, 

My  pen  will  cut  a  finer — dash! 
Alas  !  this  vile  begging  !  The  "change"  will  appear, 
'Tis  shameful  to  doubt  it — more  shameful  to  fear: 
No  man  will,  on  M  New-year's  day,"  forfeit  the  joy 
That  Hows  from  rewarding  the  dear  "Carrier-boy." 


'Tis  not  bo  small  a  "task."  as  school-boy- 
To  write  a  NEW  address,  cadi  New-year's  day: 
The  day  indeed  is  new — or  new  in  kind — 
But  bo  each  OTHER  day.  if  well  defined. 
[tfl  special  claim  is  this,  as  would  appear. 
ew,"  because  it   ushers  in  the  year  : 

And    fears    COmpOSe   the  lif'-nilr   here   below. 

And  seal  our  bliss,  or  doom  to  endless  woe! 


98  xew-year's  greeting. 

This  special  day — distinct  from  all  beside, 

To  one  grand  purpose  then   may  be  applied  ; 

It  constitutes — if  I  may  thus  define — 

'Tvvixt  year  and  year  the  separation-line. 

The  "old,"  stamped  on  Omniscience'  book,  remains, 

By  virtue  marked — or  by  pollution's  stains. 

Untried — distinctly  though  within  our  view. 

Stands  the  inviting,  bright,  and  future  new. 

The  day  reviewed — its  purposes  defined, 

And  to  each  one  a  solemn  part  assigned, 

The  query  comes,  and  for  the  past  demands 

A  strict  and  solemn  answer  at  our  hands  : 

The  year — how  was  it  spent?  its  duties  met? 

Doth  its  review  occasion  no  "  regret  V 

Say,  how  has  man  been  used  ?  how  God  adored  ? 

How  sins  confessed  ?  and  mercy — how  implored  ? 

I'm  sure  I  brought — just  as  I  brought  before, 
Last  year,  a  weekly  "  message"  to  your  door— 
To  suit  the  diverse  tastes  of  many  minds, 
I  brought  delicious  fruits  of  various  kinds. 
To  cheer  her  sex,  when  summer  days  were  long, 
The  gentle  Western  "muse"  most  sweetly  sung ; 
And  when  she  ceased,  another  caught  the  fire, 
And  strikes,  to  this  day,  still  her  tuneful  "lyre." 

The  "  boiling  springs,'*  tho'  now  they've  ceased  to  boil, 
Some  lengthy  sheets  dispatched,  'midst  various  toil ; 
And  e'en  the  Schuylkill  hills  their  portion  gave. 
In  cheerful  rhyme — in  "conversations"  grave. 
The  frigid  North,  mild  East,  and  distant  West, 
Each  furnished  some — good,  better,  some  the  best ; 
And  from  the  South,  woe,  woe,  the  fated  dance ! 
Spake  some  one  like — 'twas  not  exactly  "  Lance." 


NKWYKAKS    GREETING.  '.«:» 

Vet  more.  "  Mi  Sti  dv  r-  Bigned  by  "  El.  H.  N." 

Most  brilliant  pictures  drew  of  various  men  ; 
And  brother  "  B." — but,  lest  I  should  forget, 
I'll  simply  mention  here  that  M  X.  V.  /.'' — 
And  brother  "  B.,"  for  young  and  old,  I  guess, 
Each  Monday  morn  dispatched  a  new  "Address." 
And  "  Vinet" — for,  we  deem  it  here  in  place— 
And  "Vinet"  urged  a  steady  "growth  in  grace. ': 

Sometimes,  'tis  very  true,  a  lance  was  broke, 
And  some  may  now  regret  what  then  they  spoke. 
So  "  Aleph's"  pen  involved  a  host  in  blame, 
And  "Alpha"'  censured  him,  to  save  his  name. 
For,  sometime  since,  you  know,  a  scourge  appeared, 
On  polished  canes,  and  specks,  and  partners  "deared." 
The  scourge  was  felt,  and  raised  a  dreadful  "  storm," 
"Twas,  therefore,  best  that  "blame"  disown  in  form  ! 

And  of  "  Germania's"  sons — excuse  the  name, 
Where  words  don't  rhyme,  the  poets  not  to  blame. 
One  of  Germania's  sons  a  "  picture"  drew, 
Somewhat  too  dark,  it  seems,  for  me  and  you. 
But,  pray,  let's  pass  the  matter  off  in  sport, 
And  cross  the  blunders  in  his  long  "  report  ;" 
For — as  they  say — he  left  his  love  behind, 
And  love,  you  know,  is  always  painted  "  blind." 

And,  then  that  doctor — best  suppress  his   name — 
Some  chance  time  still  plays  off  his  wonted  game  ; 
Whilst  sturdy  "West,"  and  Eastern  critics  join, 
To  pay  the  "  scribbler"  off  in  his  own  coin. 
But  cease  this  warlike  strain— the  work  define 
Which  lies  beyond  the  "  separation'   line — 
This  done — I'll  close  my  dull,  protracted  song, 
Which  even  now,  I  fear,  is  much  too  long. 


100  BLEST    IN    CHRIST. 

And  first  of  all — let  each  one  now  assist 
To  swell  the  coming  year's  subscription  list. 
Peruse  my  sheet — 'twill  much  your  joy  enhance, 
And  always  pay  your  "  paper" — in  advance  ! 
Why"so  ?     What  reason  can  there  be  assigned, 
Why  this  injunction  men  should  bear  in  mind  ? 
Precisely  this — that,  if  they  pay  before, 
They  need  not  pay  it  when  the  year  is  o'er  ! 

One  other  thing — my  notions  please  excuse, 
One  other  thing  I  here  would  introduce, 
The  paper — mark  it ! — can't  itself  produce,  ' 
It  needs  assistance — don't  this  aid  refuse  ! 
And,  whilst  to  dictate  we  would  not  presume, 
I  would  suggest — 'twill  save  no  little  room — 
To  use  not  many  words — do  but  express 
Your  finest  thoughts,  the  rest  let  readers  guess  ! 

My  work  is  done — my  puzzling  task  performed, 
The  "  noble"  flattered,  and  the  vicious  scorned  ! 
"  What's  writ,  is  writ" — the  critic's  scorn  despite  ! 
Though  dull  it  be,  or  e'en  insipid  quite. 
'Tis  good  enough — and  this  is  all  my  joy — 
'Tis  good  enough  for  me  a  "  Carrier-boy." 
A  happy  "  New-year,,;  Patrons,  waits  for  you, 
My  song  is  o'er,  except  one  word — Adieu  !" 


BLEST  IX  CHRIST. 


Xor  eye  hath  seen  so  fair  a  sight, 

Xor  ear  hath  heard  so  sweet  a  sound, 

Xor  heart  enjoyed  such  pure  delight, 
As  in  my  Saviour  I  have  found. 


kCROS 

On  Him  my  brightest  hopes  repose, 

And  sweetly  on  II is  love  I  n 
While  He  is  near  I  fear  no  I' 

But  in  Him  fi  i  Iv  blest. 

Jesus — who.  in  Lite,  shall  be 
My  hope  my  joy.  when  sin-  prevail: 
'Tis  Jesus — who  shall  comfort  me 
When  every  earthly  hope  shall  fail  ! 


ACROSTIC—IMPROMPTU. 

Much  as  of  pleasant  things  we  speak. 
In  sin  such  things  we  vainly  seek — 
Sin  yields  at  best  but  terrene  ease, 
Seek  not,  then,  here  for  solid  pel 

Sad  are  the  scenes,  but  seldom  sweet, 
Upon  this  earth  we're  called  te  meet : 
Sad  are  its  sorrows — sweet  its  joys, 
Ami  yet  these  last  are  empty  toys  : 

d  this  earth,  not  in  its  scenes, 
Not  in  its  fond,  its  fairy  dreams. 
Are  joys  the  truly  wise  esteems — 
Earth  yields  us  only  pain  ! 

Some  seek.  I  know,  their  pleasures  here, 

>  d  by  their  fancies — not  by  fear — 
Lost  to  all  virtue — who  may  tell 
Their  state  so  sad — not  bliss,  a  hell  ? 
Zion — be  thou  the  Christian's  joy  ! 
Bound  up  in  thee — without  alloy — 
Are  pl<  Mixl  !      Lone  pilgrim,  this. 

Chief  joy — be  also  thine,  thy  bliss — 
found,  thy  joys  remain  ! 


THE  CAGED  DOVE. 

Singular.— Our  friend  Mr.  E.  B.  Eichholtz,  who  is  fond  of  birds, 
had  a  dove  which  exhibited  a  great  aversion  to  its  prison,  and  a  strong 
desire  to  be  free;  its  struggles  were  so  continued  and  painful,  that 
finally  a  feeling  of  compassion  prevailed,  and  the  gentle,  cooing  bird 
was  set  at  liberty,  and  away  it  soared,  away— away— with  rapid  wing. 
Three  weeks  or  more  elapsed,  when  Mr.  E.  was  surprised,  one  morn- 
ing, by  a  visit  from  a  strange  dove,  which  seemed  to  clamor  for  atten- 
tion and  a  cage  ;  a  cage  was  given  it,  when  lo,  by  certain  unmistaka- 
ble marks,  Mr.  E.  knew  it  to  be  his  quondam  feathered  pet,  which  had 
returned,  wounded  and  weary,  to  be  nursed.  Some  relentless  sports- 
man had  shot  it;  one  leg  was  broken,  and  the  bird  was  otherwise 
injured.  It  is  now  well  and  seems  perfectly  happy  in  its  wire-wrought 
home.  Here  is  food  for  thought  and  material  for  Poetry. — Miners* 
Journal. 

In  the  wiry  cage  euclosed, 

Lonely  sat  the  cooing  dove, 
Free,  in  groves  no  more  reposed, 

Softly  there  to  speak  her  love ; 
All  her  former  joys  debarred, 

Every  scene  she  loved  so  well  ; 
'  Who  can  paint  her  destine  hard, 

Who  the  cheerless  story  tell  ? 

Anxious  round  the  cage  she  looked, 

Fondly  hoping  some  relief — 
Gladsome  every  hardship  brooked, 

Gently  breathed  her  tale  of  grief; 
Still  her  every  effort  failed, 

She  no  friendly  aid  obtained — 
Yet,  at  length,  her  suit  prevailed, 

And  her  freedom  she  regained. 


THE    CAGED    DOVE.  103 

Quick  ber  azure  pinions  poised, 

Swiftly  through  the  air  she  flew, 
Sought  her  love-companion  host 

Where  to  nestle  them  she  knew  ; 
Sweetly  passed  the  time  away, 

As  she  winged  her  joyous  flight, 
Wearied  not  by  close  of  day — 

Rested  not  at  dead  of  night. 

Hut  she  found  not  those  she  loved, 

Saw  no  one  she  knew  before — 
Distant  far  her  mates  removed, 

Every  scene  seemed  sad  and  sore  ; 
Fowlers,  ranging  o'er  the  plain, 

Cruel,  gave  an  aching  wound, 
Lonely,  racked  with  piercing  pain, 

Where?  O  where,  could  rest  be  found  ? 

Like  the  imprisoned  China-man, 

From  his  dungeon  dark  released, 
Sought  his  lone  retreat  again, 

When  he  found  his  friends  deceased  : 
So  the  wand'ring  dove — forlorn, 

To  a  friendless  world  consigned, 
Doomed  in  freedom's  range  to  mourn, 

Rather  chose  to  be  confined. 

Sad,  she  turned  from  scenes  abroad, 
Backward  traced  her  wand'rings  lone, 

Guided  by  her  unseen  God, 

Safely  reached  her  destined  home, 

Trembling,  now,  to  fate  resigned. 
Craved  again  admittance  there — 

(Had  in  cage  to  be  confined, 

ins  foul  and  seasons  fair ! 


104  CHILD'S    DEDICATION    HYMN'. 

Shrewdly,  brave,  her  cause  she  plead, 

Frequent  moved  her  body  torn, 
Showed  her  limbs  of  crimson  red, 

Hero-like,  her  state  forlorn  ; 
Moving  strains  her  master  hail, 

Gently  flow  her  notes  of  love, 
These,  combined,  on  him  prevail, 

He  receives  the  cooing  dove  ! 

Rescued  from  the  fowler's  rage, 

Safely  all  her  perils  o'er — 
Glad,  she  hails  her  wiry  cage, 

Freedom  she  esteems  no  more  ; 
Much  by  sad  experience  taught, 

Humbled,  now,  content  and  meek, 
That  she  once  so  eager  sought, 

She  resolves  no  more  to  seek. 

Every  danger  freedom  wore, 

Every  pain  she  then  endured, 
Now  she  feels  can  harm  no  more, 

In  her  wiry  cage  secured  : 
Where,  in  sadness  once  confined, 

Cherished  tho'  by  hands  of  love, 
There  contented,  blest,  resigned, 

Cheerful  sits  the  cooing  dove  ! 


CHILD'S  DEDICATION   HYMX. 

My  Saviour — dearest  to  my  heart, 
Thou  dost  to  me  each  good  impart ; 
Then  why,  0  why,  should  I  decline 
And  not  myself  to  Thee  resign  ! 


child's  dedication   hymn.  105 

Thou  art  the  fountain  of  my  life, 
And  1  must  not  against  Thee  Btrive, 
While  Thou  art  holding  out  Thy  hand 
To  lead  me  to  that  promised  land  ! 

Forbid  it.  Lord,  that   I  should  be 
Ungrateful,  and  estranged  from  Thee; 
Since  Thou  art  willing  to  forgive. 
And  wouldst  have  me  in  glory  live  ! 

'Tie  yonder  that  my  home  shall  be 
Through  endless  ages — blest  in  Thee  ; 
'Tis  yonder,  I  shall  see  my  God 
Now  gracious  in  redeeming  blood  ! 

For  didst  not  Thou.  Almighty  king, 
Descend  and  us  salvation  bring  ? 
Ah  !  Lord,  'tis  mercy  reigns  on  high, 
This  prompted  Thee  to  come  and  die  ! 

It  was  of  love  the  Lord  came  down 
And  meekly  bore  the  thorny  crown, 
That  sinners  might  return  to  Him, 
And  be  redeemed  from  death  and  sin. 

Lord,  I  am  Thine,  I  must  confess, 
Since  Thou  art  ever  kind  to  bless, 
And  pray  Thee  keep  me  in  Thy  tear. 
Until  the  "  Son  of  Man"  appear. 

To  Thee  I  now  resign  my  soul, 
My  future  life  do  Thou  control ; 

And  while  I  live,  I'll  live  to  Thee, 

Who  Father.  Son.  and  Spirit  be! 

LIKES    <>\    THi:    ABOVE. 

Written  when  the  shades  of  night, 
Low'ring  hung  around  my  bed  : 


106  LINES    TO    A    BEREAVED    STSTER. 

When  my  spirit  deeply  sighed 
After  Christ  mv  living-  Head. 


LIXES  TO   A  BEREAVED    SISTER. 

Written  on  the  reception  of  a  letter  containing  a  notice  of  the  death 
of  the  third  child  of  my  sister— all  of  whom  had  died  within  the  space 
of  a  few  years. 

Parents  sad — of  peace  bereft — 
Scarce  a  comfort  you  is  left ; 
Piercing,  have  successive  darts 
Entered  deep  your  bleeding  hearts  : 
Children,  whom  you  dearly  loved, 
One  by  one  have  been  removed  I 

Keenly  were  the  pains  it  gave, 
Felt,  to  see  your  first  one's  grave  ; 
Scarce  were  healed  the  hearts  it  broke, 
Ere  you  felt  a  second  stroke  ; 
Tears  still  brinier  now  are  shed, 
As  one  love-pledge  more  is  fled  f 

Parents  sad — I  weep  with  you, 
Feel  your  pangs — your  sadness  too  : 
I,  who  bear  a  brother's  heart, 
In  your  sadness  share  a  part — 
Weep  with  you,  who  justly  weep, 
Seek  the  comforts  which  you  seek  I 

Oh  I  a  balm  for  souls  distrest, 
Is  a  brother's  feeling  breast  ! 
Know  we  but  that  those  we  love, 
Feel  their  souls  in  pity  move, 
This  will  ease  the  burd'ning  grief, 
This  to  sorrows  give  relief! 


PAW  11  Mils. 

in: 

Parents  sad — this  tribute  take, 

And  vmir  beartfi  to  joy  awake  ! 

Think — tho'  of  your  babes  bereft, 

They  a  world  of  >in  have  left ; 

Safe,  behind  yon  starry  sky — 

Lo !  they  live — no  more  can  die! 

Parents  blest — 0  weep  no  more, 
Sadness,  sorrow,  all  be  o'er  ! 
Children,  whom  yon  dearly  loved, 
God  has  kindly  henee  removed  ! 
Sin  and  death  for  them  are  o'er, 
Parents  blest — 0  weep  no  more  ! 

Scenes  of  bliss  successive  rise — 
Mansions — lo  !   in  Paradise  ! 
Children  whom  yon  dearly  loved, 
God  has  to  yon  world  removed ; 
Safe  now  home — their  dangers  o'er, 
Parents  blest — then  weep  no  more  ! 


PANCHARIS— A  PARAPHRASE. 

Christian,  know  thy  high  vocation, 

Lo  !  by  grace  a  child  of  God  ! 
Glad,  sustain  this  dear  relation, 

Purchase  of  redeeming  blood  : 
Sinner  once — with  sinners  Btraying, 

Lost  and  wretched,  doomed  to  death  , 
Sinner  now— with  saints  obeying, 

Sharer  of  "like  precious  faith.  ' 

Rescued  from  thy  sad  condition, 

Sin.  defilement,  guilt  and  shame — 
From  estrangement,  base  ambition, 
— redeemed  in  Jesus'  name — 


. _ _ 

108  PANCHARIS. 

Friend  esteemed,  an  heir  of  heaven, 
"  Righteous"  made  in  Him  that  died, 

Free — all  blessings  thee  be  given — 
"  Grace  and  Peace  be  multiplied." 

"All  things,"  here  to  life  pertaining, 

Xeedful  to  salvation  deemed, 
In  the  Saviour's  blood  obtaining, 

By  His  death  from  death  redeemed — 
"All  things"  are  His  loved  ones  given, 

Purchased — saved  by  grace  divine — 
Called  to  virtue,  bliss,  and  heaven, 

Christian,  thus,  are  all  things  thine  ! 

Promised  gifts  all  thought  transcending, 

"Precious  and  exceeding  great"  — 
Blessings,  Pilgrim,  thee  attending, 

Rescued  from  thy  lost  estate — 
Sin,  pollution,  guilt,  escaping, 

Sharing  now  a  life  divine — 
Strength  to  stand,  each  snare  evading, 

Christian,  lo  !  this  grace  is  thine ! 

Free  from  every  false  relation — 

Free  from  sin,  and  guilt,  and  death, 
Earnest,  heed  thy  high  vocation, 

Serious,  guard  thy  "  precious  faith," 
Watchful  still  in  each  connection, 

To  thy  faith  be  "  virtue  "  joined — 
Firm  to  give  each  grace  protection, 

Kindly  thus  of  God  designed  ! 

These  now  had  in  full  possession, 
Guards  to  every  danger  nigh — 

Still  enhancing  thy  profession, 

"  Knowledge"  add  to  gifts  so  high  : 


*  ELCOMG    TO    "  \.   v.  /."  THi:    >K<  OND.  L09 

And  to  knowledge,  keen-eyed  mistress, 
"  Temp'rance  "  forms  a  fitting  maid. 

Join  yet  u  Patience" — gentle  victress — 
All  thy  hopes  on  her  be  stayed ! 

And  to  Patience — suffering  meekness, 

u  Godliness"  be  closely  joined — 
Adding  still  a  creature  "  Kindness'' 

Comfort  for  the  poor  designed — 
And  to  crown  these  all  with  beauty, 

Precious,  brightest,  purest  gem — 
Life  and  soul  of  christian  duty, 

"  Charity"  be  joined  with  them  ! 

For,  these  things  in  due  relation, 

If  in  thee,  and  there  abound — 
They  shall  make  thee  in  thy  station, 

"  Sterile"  not,  nor  "  fruitless"  found  ; 
He,  who  lacks  these  central  graces, 

Sure  is  blind,  and  cannot  see — 
He  forgets  his  deep-stained  vices, 

Purged  from  which,  he  now  is  free  ! 

Wherefore,  strive  more  bravely,  Christian, 

Careful,  make  thy  calling  sure — 
If  once  clear  be  thine  election, 

Thou  shalt  ever  stand  secure  ; 
For  an   u  Entrance"  to  yon  mansion, 

Kingdom  of  thy  gracious  Lord — 
Thine  beyond  the  blue  expansion, 

Christian,  is  thy  "great  reward  !" 


WELCOME  TO  u  X.  Y.  Z."  THE  SECOND. 

At  times  we  smile,  and  sometimes  weep, 
As  o'er  the  weekly  sheet  we  peep  ; 


110  don't  abuse  this  sportive  day. 

The  various  "news"  a  glance  secure, 
And  some  repel,  and  some  allure. 
To-day  I  smiled,  and  smile  as  yet. 
To  see— a  second  "  X— Y— Z." 

'Tis  pleasant,  surely,  now  and  then, 
To  see  one's  "name"  in  print  again, 
Since  on  this  hangs  the  writer's  fame. 
That  virtuous  men  repeat  his  name, 
Then  hail  my  pen,  without  regret, 
As  friend — this  second  "  X — Y — Z." 

Our  busrness  we,  may  each  attend, 
Nor  less  of  "  composition"  send — 
There's  work  enough  for  each  to  do — 
There's  work  enough  for  me  and  you. 
Then  hands  we  join,  without  regret, 
The  first  and  second— "X—Y—Z." 


DON'T  ABUSE  THIS    SPORTIVE  DAY. 

FOURTH  OF  JULY   SONG. 

Teachers. 
Little  children,  brisk  and  gay, 
Don't  abuse  this  sportive  day ! 
Cheerful,  lively,  full  of  glee, 
We  are  pleased  each  one  to  see  ; 
Children,  only,  we  would  say, 
Don't  abuse  this  sportive  day  ! 

Children. 
Kindest  teachers,  fond  and  dear, 
Merry  here  we  all  appear  ! 
Cheerful  is  the  day  begun, 


DON'T    ABUSE    THIS    SPORTIVE    DAT,  111 

( >h  !   we'll  have  a  heap  of  fun  ; 
Teachers,  then,  we  children  gay 
Won't  abuse  this  sportive  day  ! 

Teachers. 

Children  high  and  children  low, 
Welcome  here,  and  cheerful  go  ! 

Pleasant,  merry,  all  may  be, 

Full  of  fun  and  full  of  glee  ; 
Only,  children,  we  would  say 
Don't  abuse  this  sportive  day  ! 

Children, 

Teachers  young  and  teachers  old, 
Here  we  come  a  curious  fold, 

Some  are  little — older  some, 

But  we  all  together  come, 
Singing,  we,  so  glad  and  gay, 
Won't  abuse  this  sportive  day! 

Teachers  and  Children. 

Teachers  grave,  and  children  gay, 
All  seem  young  and  brisk  to-day ; 

Strange  it  is — but  so  it  goes, 

How  it  is,  one  hardly  knows  ; 
Teachers  grave,  and  children  gay, 
Won't  abuse  this  sportive  day  I 

Omnes. 

Joining  all  we  cheerful  raise 

To  our  God  a  song  of  praise  ; 

He  sustains  both  great  and  small, 
Children,  Teachers,  friends  and  all, 

Cheerful,  then,  we  jointly  say, 

Don't  abuse  this  sportive  day  ! 


ACROSTIC. 

Gone,  Dear  Brother,  to  realms  of  love, 
Eternal  life  to  taste  above — 
Oh  !  how  divine,  how  sweet  thy  rest, 
Reclining  on  the  Saviour's  breast ! 
Glorious  thought — reflection  sweet, 
Etherial  songs  thy  joys  repeat ! 
Jehovah,  Lord  of  earth  and  heav'u, 
Hath  to  thee  rest  eternal  giv'n. 
Enjoy  that  rest — that  sacred  rest, 
In  sweet  communion  with  the  blest ; 
Secure  from  pain,  from  danger  freef 
Long  shall  thy  blissful  portion  be, 
Eternal  life — without  alloy — 
Replete  with  songs  of  sacred  joy  ! 

REFLECTIONS. 

Hark!  Hark!  a  lovely  voice  descends. 
Look  up,  ye  now  surviving  friends, 
Come,  parents,  brothers,  sisters,  come, 
Accept  this  sweet,  this  sacred  home. 

Behold  !  in  yonder  spheres  sublime, 
There  reigns  your  Saviour  all  Divine : 
'Tis  He,  who  once  for  sinners  died. 
Now  pleads  your  cause  in  mercy's  sight. 

Oh  !  will  you,  can  you  yet  delay, 
And  not  the  Saviour's  voice  obey  ? 
How  can  you  still  His  love  deride, 
Who,  on  the  cross,  to  save  you  died  ? 


REFLECTIONS.  1  L3 

Oh!  can  you,  notwithstanding  all 

The  strong  appeals  of  mercy's  call, 
The  Saviour  of  mankind  despise, 
And  risk  your  title  to  the  skies  ? 

( )h  !   will  you  live  from  day  to  day. 
And  with  the  foolish  worldling  say. 
My  soul,  now  take  thy  wonted  ease, 
Thy  goods,  laid  up,  will  never  cease  ! 

Oh  !  will  you  spend  your  life  in  vain, 
And  have  your  souls  in  sin  remain  ? 
Say — will  you  live  without  a  thought 
Of  death,  of  judgment,  and  of  God  ? 

If  this  you  do,  there  is  a  place, 
Where  pain  and  sorrow  never  cease; 
And  in  that  place  their  home  must  be, 
Who  slight  His  love,  so  vast,  so  free  ! 

But  should  you  now  to  Jesus  come, 
On  high  will  be  your  lasting  home  ; 
And  there  may  you  for  ever  sing 
The  praises  of  your  heav'nly  king  ! 

Come,  then,  and  all  with  one  accord, 
Accept  the  offers  of  your  Lord  ; 
Come,  make  His  grace  your  all  in  all, 
And  you  shall  never,  never,  fall. 

Thus  speaks  the  mercy  of  the  Lord 
In  sweetest  language  of  His  word  : 
"  Return,  0  wanderers,  return 
And  I  will  love  you  as  mine  own." 

Oh !  may  this  light  of  Love  divine 
Upon  your  souls   in  mercy  shine  ; 


114  THE    PRODIGAL    SOX. 

Conduct  you  in  that  pleasant  way 
Which  issues  in  an  endless  day  ! 

0  state,  beyond  conception  sweet. 
With  joys  divine  and  love  replete  ; 
A  life — in  which  unceasing  roll 
Oceans  of  bliss  across  the  soul ! 

Oh !   will  you  not  for  such  a  day, 
To  Christ  your  loving  Saviour  prav  ? 
A  day — whose  sunny  beams  how  bright, 
Th'  eternal  God  himself  the  light  ! 

Then  come,  obey  your  Saviour's  voice, 
And  make  the  Lord  your  early  choice ! 
So  shall  you  dwell  with  Him  above, 
And  feast  upon  redeeming  love  ! 

Hark !   Hark  !  the  Saviour  calls  once  more 
Ere  yet  your  day  of  grace  is  o'er — 
Oh  !  heed  this  sweet,  this  loving  call, 
And  freelv  choose  Him  one  and  all ! 


THE  PRODIGAL  \SOX. 

In  figures  the  Saviour  of  men  was  rehearsing 

The  madness  and  folly  which  oft  He  had  seen, 
When,  lo  !  in  review,  the  thick  darkness  dispersing, 

A  picture  stood  forth  as  in  life  it  had  been  ; 
This  purpose  for,  wisely,  a  :i  certain  man"  choosing, 

To  whom  in  much  mercy  "  two  sons"  had  been  given, 
He  sketched  the  sad  issues  of  freedom  abusing, 

A  picture  like  Hades  in  contrast  with  heaven. 


THE    PRODIGAL    son.  115 

The  younger,  his  portion  of  substance  requesting, 

Cried  :  u  Give  me,  my  Father,  the  goods  that  are  due  ; 
Though  BOiry  the  peace  of  my  Parent  molesting, 

I'm  going— I  cannot  stay  longer  with  you  ;" 
In  anguish  of  spirit  the  Father  was  musing 

0?er  scenes  the  lone  stranger  would  likeliest  meet. 
Yet.  found  he  could  stay  not  the  tender  boy  losing, 

And  kindly  the  portion  laid  down  at  his   feet! 

The  vouth  so  impatient,  "  not  many  days"  pausing, 

His  treasures  collected,  safe,  firmly  secured, 
Away  and  away  went  the  youngster  rejoicing, 

Far,  far  from  his  homestead  by  fancies  allured  ; 
Absolved  from  his  bondage,  and  virtue  discarding, 

In  wickedness  soon  the  dear  youth  became  rife, 
And,  not  the  good  counsels  of  Parent  regarding, 

"  There  wasted  his  substance  in  riotous  life." 

And  when,  so  profusely  his  resources  wasting, 

He  noticed,  at  last,  that  his  treasures  were  gone, 
Quick  on  to  his  ruin  by  famine  still  hasting, 

He  found  to  his  sorrow  himself  was   undone ; 
Thus  forced  to  employment  so  sadly  degrading, 

The  means  of  subsistence  most  coldly  denied, 
He  fain  would — his  highly-wrought  fancies  abating, 

Have  been  with  the  u  swine"  in  his  living  allied. 

Oh  !  sad  to  the  youth  in  such  fancies  abounding, 

This  state  must  have  proved  in  his  awful  extreme, 
As  e'en  the  rude  "  husks,"  tho  his  pathway  surrounding, 

Denied  him,  as  means  of  subsistence,  had  been  ; 
Wo,  wo  to  transgressors  ! — All  reason  dethroning. 

Sin  leaves  the  poor  wretch  a  sad  victim  of  shame  : 
And  prostrate  in  dust — his  sad  bondage  bemoaning. 

He  feels  on  him  rests  the  whole  burden  of  blame. 


116  THE    PRODIGAL    SOX. 

And  here,  now,  to  home-life  his  fancies  recurring, 

He  calls  to  remembrance  the  scenes  of  his  youth, 
And  glad  to  his  freedom  those  pleasures  preferring, 

Enjoyments  connected  with  virtue  and  truth — 
il  He  came  to  himself,"  and — most  humbly  confessing 

His  sins — he  exclaimed,  with  a  spirit  illumed, 
"  Our  servants  have  bread,  in  abundance  possessing. 

Whilst  here  I,  poor  wretch,  am  with  hunger  consumed.'* 

Aroused  by  his  sorrows — his  conscience  oppressing, 

He  formed  the  good  purpose  :  "  I  now  will  arise, 
And  go  to  my  Father — my  failures  confessing — 

Say,  Father,  I've  sinned  against  Thee  and  the  skies, 
I  am  no  more  worthy — thy  mandates  transgressing, 

A  son  to  be  called,  or  thy  grace  to  receive  : 
Still,  Father,  forgive  me,  0  richest  in  blessing, 

Thy  servant  but  make  me,  my  sorrows  relieve?" 

By  grace  thus  assisted — these  tho'ts  still  revolving. 

To  come  to  his  Father,  he  quickly  arose — 
His  Father  there  saw  him, — on  mercy  resolving, 

He  hastened  with  pleasure  his  love  to  propose  ; 
And  kindly  fell  on  him,  his  dear  one  embracing, 

And  "  kissed"  the  sweet  boy  with  a  father's  strong  love; 
"  My  mercies  are  boundless,  thy  sins  all  effacing, 

I  will  be  thy  Father — thy  home  be  above." 

The  soul-stricken  sinner,  his  wand'rings  bewailing, 

Confessed  himself  worthless,  polluted,  and  vile  ; 
The  father  still  loved  him,  his  mercies  prevailing,. 

He  met  him  in  kindness — his  fear  with  a  smile  : 
"  Go,  hasten  to  clothe  him,  the  richest  robe  bringing, 

His  hand  on,  a  ringlet,  and  shoes  on  his  feet — 
Let's  eat  and  be  merry,  all  cheerfully  singing, 

My  sox  that  is  found,  let  us  joyfully  greet." 


MARTYR  HYMN  OF  THE  EARLY  CHURCH, 

KKoM   THE   LATIN. 

Th'  eternal  gifts  of  Christ,  the  King, 
And  victories  of  martyrs  strong, 

Their  well-deserved  praise  we  sin^ 
With  souls  elate  and  cheerful  song  ! 

The  Princes  of  Thy  church  were  they, 
Triumphant  leaders  of  the  fight, 

Brave  soldiers  of  celestial  ray — 

The  erring  world's  substantial  light ! 

The  terrors  of  this  life  endured, 
And  pains  of  body  all  despised, 

By  hope  of  sacred  death  allured, 
A  blissful  life  they  realized  ! 

The  martyrs  to  the  flames  consigned, 
To  teeth  of  cruel  beasts  of  prey — 

With  instruments  of  torture  armed, 
The  hand  of  malice  seeks  to  slay ! 

Denuded  though  their  viscera — 
Their  sacred  blood  effused  in  strife, 

Still  calm  and  undisturbed  are  they, 
By  strength  of  a  perennial  life  ! 

Firm  if  Thy  saints'  devoted  faith. 
And  undismayed  Thy  people's  trust ; 

The  precious,  priceless,  grace  of  Christ 
Still  triumphs  o'er  the  sons  of  dust ! 


118  HYMN    OF    ST.  CLEMENT. 

In  them  the  Father's  glory  shines, 
In  them  the  Son's  good-will  we  meet. 

In  them  exults  the  Spirit  blest, 

And  Heaven  with  rapture  is  replete  ! 

Thee  now,  Reedemer,  we  beseech, 
That,  with  their  blissful  host  above, 

Thou  wouldst  Thy  praying  saints  unite 
In  an  eternal  bond  of  love  ! 


GRABSCHRIFT. 


Rosen !  warum  blueht  ihr  hier 
•  Frcelich  auf  dem  kuehlen  Grabe  ? 
Pilgrim  !   dass  wir  geben  dir 

Hoffnung — schcenste  Himmels-Gabe  ! 

Rosen  !  und,  nach  kurzem  Lauf, 
Doch  verblueht  was  hier  zu  sehen  ? 

Pilgrim !  es  blueht  wieder  auf 

In  den  schooenen  Himmels-hcehen  ! 


HYMN  OF  ST.  CLEMENT. 

FROM  THE  GREEK. 

Thou  Rector  of  indocile  youth, 
Thou  Pinion  of  unerring  birds, 
Of  infants  small  the  safest  Guide, 
And  Shepherd  of  Thy  royal  Lambs, 
Thy  simple  children  congregate 

To  sacred  praise, 

Sincere,  to  sing 

With  guileless  lips 


HYMN    OF    >T.  CLEMENT.  119 

The  Leader  of  Thy  children — Christ ! 

Thou  King  of  saints, 

All-swaying  Word 
The  Holy  Father  of— Most  High  ! 

Of  wisdom  Chief, 

The  lab'rer's  Stay, 

Unfailing  Joy — 

Of  human  kind 
The  strong  Deliv  rer,  Jesus,  Thou  ! 

Shepherd,  Vintner, 

Guide — Director, 

Wing  Supernal 
Of  Thy  most  holy — blessed  flock  ! 

Angler  of  men — 

The  rescued,  saved 

From  ocean  vile — 

The  stainless  fish 

From  hostile  waves 
Alluring — to  delicious  Life  ! 

Guide — of  human 

Sheep  the  Pastor, 

Sacred  Leader, 
( \  King  of  inexperienced  youth  ! 

Foot-steps  of  Christ, 

Celestial  Way, 

Unfailing  Word, 

Perennial  Age, 

Eternal  Light, 

Sweet  mercy's  Font, 

And  virtue's  Soul, 

9      <  t  Life  of  those 
Loud  praising  God — 0  Jesus  Christ ! 

Celestial  Milk 

Of  sweetest  breasts, 
The  grace-dispensing  Bride's  rich  boon, 


120  HE  A  VEX. 

The  Essence  of  Thy  wisdom  pure  ! 

Thy  Children  dear 

Of  guileless  lips 

Have  nourished  been 

Of  Reason's  breast, 
With  spirit  chaste  completely  filled  I 

Praise  simple,  then, 

And  Hymns  sincere. 
Ascending,  hail  our  King — the  Christ  ! 

The  sacred  gifts 

Of  living  lore — 

We  jointly  sing, 

Sincerely  sing 
The  valiant  Son — -blest  Prince  of  grace  ! 

Chorus  of  Peace, 

In  Christ  renewed, 

Sweet  Wisdom's  race, 
Let's  jointly  sing — the  God  of  Peace  ! 


HEAVEN. 


There  is  a  place  than  all  more  sweet, 
With  sacred  joy — with  bliss  replete, 
Where  virtues  all  most  sweetly  blend, 
Where  friend  communion  holds  with  friend. 

'Tis  found  where  saints  in  rapture  meet, 
Where  spirits  pure  such  spirits  greet — 
'Tis  found  where  Christ  supremely  reigns, 
And  angels  chant  their  lofty  strains. 

And  in  that  world,  and  on  that  spot, 
The  brilliant  prospect  changeth  not, 
Each  day  brings  on  a  lovlier  view, 
And  joy  succeeds  each  joy  anew  ! 


THE    MARTS    AT    THE    SAVIOUR  s    TOMB. 

Sweet,  -acred  spot!     There  softly  rest. 
My  ransomed  soul  'mid  spirits  blest! 
And  when  Life's  short  career  doth  close. 
Then  grant  me  but  in  thee  repose  ! 


THE  MARYS  AT  THE  SAVIOUR'S  TOMB. 

'Twaa  when  the  day  began  to  dawn. 

To  see  His  tomb  the  Marys  came. 
By  strong  affection  thither  drawn, 

For  Tear-drop  is  their  common  name. 

An  Angel  rolled  the  rock  away, 

And,  musing,  still  sat  on  the  stone. 

His  "  raiment '  white — of  purest  ray, 
His  countenance  most  brilliant  shone. 

He  saw  the  fairy  creatures  come, 

And,  smiling,  "  fear  not"  seemed  to  say  ; 

The  Saviour's  risen,  'live  and  gone, 

Come  see  the  "  place''  where  Jesus  lay ! 

Go — quickly  His  disciples  tell 

The  Master's  risen  from  the  dead, 

And,  where  the  Galileans  dwell, 
Lo  I  ye  shall  see  Him  as  He  said  ! 

And  they,  departing  quickly  thence, 
Made  haste  to  tell  the  wond'rous  tale  ; 

While  on  their  way,  in  deep  suspense, 
There  met  them  Jesus,  saying — u  hail !" 

"  All  hail" — how  strange,  so  charming,  sweet, 
They  knew  Him,  'twas  His  gracious  word, 

And,  prostrate  at  the  Saviour's  feet, 
They  worship  now  their  risen  Lord  ! 


122  DARE    TO    BE    TRUE. 

And,  gazing  on  the  trembling  fair — 
"  Be  not  afraid'7  the  Saviour  said, 

"Go,  tell  my  brethren,  they  shall  there, 
In  Galilee,  see  Me,  their  Head  V1 

0  sacred  place  I  0  moment  blest, 
That  saw  the  Lord  alive  again  ! 

His  triumphs  are  to  sinners  rest, 
His  risen  life — the  life  of  men  ! 

The  Marys  on  this  word  relied — 

The  joyful  news  were  quickly  spread, 

He's  here  again — the  crucified — 

"  The  Saviour's  risen  from  the  dead !" 

The  trembling  saints  cheer  up  again, 
Anew  their  dying  hopes  revive, 

Their  murdered  Lord  is  back  with  them. 
Sure  pledge  of  an  immortal  life  I 


GRABSCHRIFT. 


Traurend  steht  ihr  an  dem  Grabe, 
Finster  scheint  der  Todten  Haus  ; 

Doch,  ich  schcene  Hoffnung  habe, 
Einstens  komm  ich  froh  heraus  ; 

Den  ihr  liebtet  hier  bei  Leben, 

Wird  euch  Gott  dort  wieder  geben  ! 


DARE  TO  BE  TRUE. 

In  what  you  do,  or  think,  or  write, 
Let  wisdom  all  thy  tho'ts  indite, 
And  act  the  paltry  wits  despite ! 


AJLBUM—  "WHITE." 

An  "Album"  seems  a  curious  thing, 
A  "subject"  not — not  quite  a  "king," 
'Tis  honored  by  a  num'rous  train, 
Yet,  looks  on  none  with  proud  disdain. 
Tis  Album  called— in  English  "white," 
Tho'  in  it  "Scribs"  presume  to  write. 

But  why  a  thing,  both  "white"  and  "black." 
In  name  should  either  feature  lack, 
You  can't  with  any  grace  demand 
That  I  at  all  should  understand. 
The  sky  is  "gloomy"  called,  you  know, 
Sometimes,  alas  !  in  time  of  snow — 
Then,  why,  tho'  common  sense  despite, 
May  we  not  call  it  "Album" — white  ? 

If  I  should,  now,  this  thing  define 
According  to  these  views  of  mine, 
I  could  not  better  do,  methinks, 
Than  call  it;  an  Egyptian  "  Sphinx." 
This  course,  tho'  each  most  clearly  saw. 
Were  not  according  quite  to  "  law" — 
Yet,  since  I  have  no  better  name, 
Will  any  my  misfortune  blame  ? 

This  "Album,"  then,  a  nameless  thing, 
A  "subject"  not — nor  quite  a  "  king," 
We  have  presumed — with  praise  or  blame? 
An  Eastern,  mystic  "  Sphinx"  to  name. 


124  THE    PILGRIMS7    SOXG. 

But  since  this  "Album"  can't  be  quite 
An  Album  pure — a  spotless  "white,"" 
May  gentlemen,  with  stain  or  blot, 
Or  impure  lines — disgrace  it  not  I 

And  ladies — may  I  venture  here. 
To  check  a  too  excessive  cheer? — 
Ye  ladies,  most  supremely  chaste, 
Be  modest — shun  a  vicious  taste  I 
Where  vice  supreme  dominion  gains, 
Xo  beauty,  pathos,  charm  remains  ; 
Sometimes,  in  one  unguarded  line, 
Fair  virtue  sinks — bright  gem  divine  f 
Avoid  this  rock,  in  Life's  dark  main, 
On  which  who  founders  sinks  in  shame. 
Sad  wreck  ! — A  charmless  form  alone, 
A  spectre's  left — the  Lady's  gone  !  ! 


THE    PILGRIMS*  SONG, 


FROM   THE  CKRMAX. 


The  following  beautiful  song  is  attached  to  a  German  edition  of  the 
"  I.mitatio  Christi."  by  Thomas  a  Kempis,  and  is  designed  as  an  en- 
couragement to  weary  pilgrims  on  their  way  to  the  "  land  of  the 
blest."  The  translation  is  literal  throughout,  and  faithful  to  the 
original,  so  far  as  the  nature  of  the  subject,  and  the  peculiarity  of  the 
metre  would  admit. 

Come,  children,  let  us  journey, 

The  ev'ning  shades  make  haste ; 
'Tis  dangerous  here  to  linger, 

Within  this  barren  waste  ; 

Come,  be  your  strength  renew'd. 
To  endless  life  advancing, 
Your  graces  still  enhancing, 

The  end's  supremely  good  ! 


the  pilgrims'  bokg,  L25 

We  shall  not  view  regretful, 

The  narrow  pilgrim-path, 
We  know  full-well  the   Faithful, 

Who  us  invited  hath  ; 

Come  follow,  then,  and  trust  Him, 
Wirh  strong  affection  burning, 
Each  one  his  visage  turning, 

Straight  to  Jerusalem  ! 

The  parting — thus  effected — 

Cannot  but  pleasant  be, 
Things  better  are  expected 

When  quite  released  and  free  ; 

Then,  children,  fear  not — no  ! 
A  thousand  worlds  despising, 
Their  threat'ning  and  enticing, 

Still  on  your  journey  go  ! 

When  nature  firm  opposing, 

Your  course  is  good  and  fair ; 
While  flesh  and  sense  some  choosing, 

Most  wretched  pilgrims  are  ; 

Then  leave  the  creature — leave 
Whate'er  of  sin  partaking, 
And,  e'en  yourselves  forsaking, 

The  mighty  work  achieve  ! 

Like  pilgrims  we  must  journey, 

Free — truly  nude  and  poor, 
Much  gath'ring,  keeping,  lugging, 

Our  falt'ring  steps  allure  ; 

Who  likes,  his  death  may  speed  ; 
Wk  journey  quite  denuded — 
With  little  wealth  included, 

That  serves  in  time  of  need  ! 


126  THE  pilgrims'   song. 

Supreme,  your  hearts  adorning, 

Nor  body  else  nor  dome  ; 
We're  strangers  here  sojourning, 

Must  soon  forsake  our  home  ; 

Concern  brings  bitter  grief — 
A  pilgrim,  well  preparing, 
Endureth,  though  despairing, 

The  pilgrimage  so  brief! 

Xor  let  us  much  be  viewing 
The  trinkets  by  the  way : 

Thus  halting — these  pursuing, 
Occasions  much  delay  5 
These  follies — all  be  gone  ! 

Thro'  thick  and  thin  proceeding. 

Xor  trifling  senses  heeding, 
The  vict'rv  soon  is  won  ! 

E'en  though  the  way  be  narrow, 

Quite  rugged,  lone,  and  steep, 
With  thorny  weeds  abounding, 

With  many  a  cross — and  deep  ! 

'Tis  still  but  Nature's  way  : 
Enough  ! — yet  still  proceeding, 
Our  blessed  Leader  heeding, 

We  break  through  ev'ry  stay  ! 

What  hearing  here  and  seeing, 
We  scarcely  hear  and  see  ; 

We  leave  it,  then,  still  fleeing, 
Xo  dream  shall  heeded  be  : 
We  crave eternity  ; 

With  God  communion  seekng, 

Our  walk  in  Heaven's  keeping, 
Our  souls  and  all  shall  be ! 


THK    PILGRIMS1    BONG.  1'_'7 

We  journey  on  unnoticed, 

Despised  and  unknown  ; 
And  scarcely  seen  or  heeded, 

( >r  heard  so  far  from  home  : 

And  when  we  heeded  are, 
We're  heard  and  heeded  singing 
The  joys  which  time  is  bringing, 

In  yonder  regions  fair ! 

Come,  children,  let  us  journey, 

The  Father  goes  along. 
Our  feeble  steps  supporting 

In  tempest  fierce  and  strong  ; 

And  courage  He  will  give, 
With  sweetest  beams  alluring, 
Still  calling  and  assuring  ; 

Oh  !  blissful,  thus  to  live  ! 

Let  each  one,  cheerful  hast'ning, 

Pursue  the  great  reward  ; 
The  fiery  acloud?'  regarding, 

The  presence  of  the  Lord; 

The  eye  but  linger  may, 
Where  beck'ning  Love,  enticing 
Him,  thus,  not  her  despising, 

Conducts  id  wisdom's  way  ! 

The  Lamb's  sweet  image  bearing, 

'Twill  be  on  us  impressed, 
And  in  our  walk  appearing, 

So  childlike — so  depressed  ! 

So  gentle,  mild,  and  meek, 
The  lambkins,  onward  straying, 
Their  shepherd's  voice  obeying, 

His  will  alone  they  seek  ! 


128 

THE    PILGRIMS'    S0XG. 

Come,  children,  let's  be  moving. 

We're  going  band  in  hand  ; 

Each  one  with  each  conjoining, 

In  this  wild  desert  land  : 

Come,  let  us  childlike  be, 

Not  by  the  way  contending, 

While  angel-bands  attending, 

As  brethren  frank  and  free  I 

Should  e'er  some  weak  one  falter, 

Ye  strong  ones  bear  him  on  ; 

Thus  each  the  other  aiding, 

Let  peace  and  love  be  shown  ; 

Come,  be  ye  closely  bound  ; 

The  lowest  rank  each  taking, 

And  every  sin  forsaking, 

Here  on  this  sacred  ground  ! 

Come,  cheerful  let's  be  going. 

Still  short;ning  is  our  road  ; 

Each  day  this  comfort  knowing, 

We'll  soon  reach  our  abode  ; 

Some  little  courage  more  ! 

To  each  be  Jesus  nearer, 

His  grace  than  all  things  dearer, 

We'll,  thus,  reach  Heaven's  shore  ! 

Xot  longer  much  enduring 

The  time  for  us  to  roam — 

Not  longer  much  enduring, 

And  we  shall  be  at  home  ; 

There  shall  we  be  at  rest, 

When  we  with  all  the  pious, 

Shall  to  our  Father  hie  us, 

0,  how  supremely  blest ! 

HAPPY    IN    GOD  8    LOVE. 


129 


On  this  dear  truth  relying, 

'Tis  well  our  risking  worth — 
And  wholly  that  denying 

Which  chains  us  down  to  earth. 

The  world  is  far  too  small  ; 
Thro'  Jesus,  dead  and  bleeding, 
To  endless  life  succeeding — 

Be  Christ  our  "all  in  all  I" 

0  friend,  in  whom  believing, 

Thou  all  attracting  pole, 
Thou  ever-blest  Redeemer, 

How  charmest  Thou  the  soul ! 

We  all  rejoice  in  Thee — 
Our  Joy  and  Life  enduring, 
Each  blessing  still  procuring, 

Our  only  comfort  be  ! 


HAPPY  IN  GOD'S  LOVE. 

FROM  THE  GERMAtf. 

I  now  have  found  that  firm  foundation, 
Which  ever  holds  my  anchor  sure ; 

Where  else  but  in  the  wounds  of  Jesus, 
Where  ere  the  world  it  lay  secure — 

The  Rock,  which  stands  unmoved  and  firm, 

When  Heaven  and  Earth  to  chaos  turn  ! 


It  is  that  changeless,  deep,  compassion, 
Which  far  all  human  thought  transcends; 

It  is  the  love-fraught  arms'  extension 
Of  Him  who  to  the  sinner  bends — 

Whose  heart  doth  o'er  us  wretches  break, 

That  we  may  not  to  Judgment  'wake  ! 


130  HAPPY   ix   god's    love. 

We  are  not,  hopeless,  doomed  to  perish, 
God  wills  that  we  should  help  obtain  ; 

'Twas  hence  the  Son,  on  earth  appearing, 
To  heaven,  at  length,  returned  again — 

'Tis  hence  He  knocks — knocks  evermore 

So  urgent  at  our  hard  heart7 s  door ! 

0  Well-spring  I  which,  our  sins  overwhelming, 
Hath  vanquished  them  thro'  Jesus'  death ; 

'Tis,  thus,  our  wounds  are  healed  securely. 
Here,  now,  is  no  condemning  breath  ; 

Since  Jesus'  bloodiest  Sacrifice, 

Compassion,  Lord  !  unceasing  cries  ! 

Therein,  believing,  will  I  hide  me, 
To  Him  my  trembling  soul  confide  ; 

And,  when  my  num'rous  sins  afflict  me, 
Anon,  I'll  hasten  to  His  side — 

There  is,  till  Time's  last  note  shall  sound, 

Compassion  sweet,  unceasing,  found  ! 

Though  ev'rything  from  me  be  wrested, 
Which  body  can  or  soul  revive — 

Though  I  no  comfort  here  may  cherish, 
And  stript  may  seem  of  all  but  life — 

Though  distant  far  deliv'rance  be, 

Yet  still  compassion's  left  for  me  ! 

Should  e'er  this  mortal  life  oppress  me, 
And  sorrows  rise  and  sore  distress, 

That  I — by  many  a  care  distracted — 
My  foolish  thoughts  must  yet  confess  ; 

And  should  I  hence  be  sorely  tried, 

Still — in  compassion  I'll  confide  ! 


JESUS — THE    SOURCE    OF    BLISS.  LSI 

Mu-t  I,  in  all  my  best  endeavors. 
Whereby  to  serve  my  God  I*ve  sought. 

Much  imperfection  still  discover, 

My  boasting  then,  indeed,  is  naught  : 

Yet  shall  this  comfort  still  remain, 

Compassion  gives  me  hope  again  ! 

Mav  things  but  go  His  will  according. 

With  whom  so  much  compassion  is. 
May  He  Himself  my  heart  replenish 

With  grace,  that  it  forget  not  this  : 
Thus  standeth  it,  in  love  and  pain. 
While  His  compassion  doth  remain  ! 

Od  this  firm  ground  will  I  continue 

9     long  as  Earth  shall  bear  my  feet ; 
Thus  will  I  think — thus  do,  and  practice 

Until  my  heart  shall  cease  to  beat- 
Then  will  I  sing,  with  bliss  elate, 
0  Well-spring  of  compassion  great ! 


JEsrS—THK  SOURCE  OF  BLISS, 

PROM   THE  GERMAN. 

The  following  is  a  version  of  one  of  the  most  touching  of  German 
Hymns.  The  translation  is,  upon  the  whole,  a  literal  one.  The  ninth 
and  tenth  stanzas,  however,  It  has  been  found  necessary  to  chi 
somewhat,  and  t<>  extend  them  to  five  stanzas,  in  order  fully  to  bring 
nut  the  sense  of  the  original  In  all  other  respects,  I  have  attempted 
t"  preserve  both  the  form  and  spirit  of  the  i  ginal. 

Jesus,  Lo,  my  soul's  sweet  n  - 

And  of  Treasures  far  the  best  ! 

I  in  all"'  art  Thou  to  me, 
And  forever  "all"  shah 


132  JESUS — THE    SOURCE    OF    BLISS. 

Are  there  those,  to  whom  are  dear 
Treasures,  gold,  possessions  here  ; 
Jesus,  and  His  precious  blood 
Are  to  me  than  all  more  good  ! 

"When  my  foes  in  fierce  array, 
Openly  obstruct  my  way  ; 
Jesus  every  fear  doth  quell, 
Conquers  Satan,  sin,  and  hell ! 

Am  I  sick — and  none  is  near, 
Who  my  fainting  soul  can  cheer  ; 
Jesus — my  physician — will 
Be  in  death  my  comfort  still  ! 

Am  I  wretched — steeped  in  care, 
Of  provision  stript  and  bare  ; 
Jesus  timely  aid  affords, 
And  my  sinking  frame  supports  ! 

Must.  I  with  a  drooping  heart, 
Friends  forsake — my  home  depart ; 
Jesus  my  distress  doth  share, 
Strangely  still  protects  me  there ! 

Must  I  scorn  endure  and  shame, 
Cast  on  God — and  on  his  name  ; 
Jesus  gives  me  secret  might, 
And  his  "shame"  is  my  delight ! 

If  in  honey — strength  and  glee, 
And  in  sugar — sweetness  be  ; 
Jesus — richest  source  of  bliss, 
Precious  more,  and  sweeter  is  ! 

Sounds  seraphic  charm  mine  ear, 
Sweetest  music  oft  I  hear ; 


THY    PEOPLE    GREET.  133 

— name  divinely  sweet. 
Only  can  tiie  charm  complete) 

Pleasing  objects  meet  mine 
Scene  sublime  with  scene  doth  vie  ; 
Jesus — Sharon's  Rose  divine. 
Doth  each  radiant  charm  combine  ! 

Richest,  rarest  viands,  here, 
Sweetest  fruits  my  palate  cheer  ; 
Jesus — mystic  ''bread  of  life," 
Doth  my  sinking  soul  revive  ! 

Frequent  I  my  hand  extend. 
Cheerful  to  embrace  a  friend  : 
Jesus — friend  of  all  the  best, 
Makes  alone  supremely  blest ! 

Jesus — meat  divine  and  drink. 
Spice  of  all  I  know  or  think  ; 
Jesus — richest  theme  for  praise. 
Sing  my  soul  thro'  endless  days  ! 

Jesus— source  of  Bllss  to  me, 
Let  me  share  a  part  in  Thee  ! 
By  Thy  passion — by  Thy  blood, 
Reconcile  my  soul  to  God  ! 

And  in  death — supremely  good — 
Jesus !  may  Thy  precious  blood, 
May  Thy  groans.  Thy  dying  breath. 
Be  mv  strength — mv  Life  in  death  ! 


THY  PEOPLK   GREET. 

Jesus,  with  assurance  sweet, 
Graciously  Thy  people  greet, 
When  to  worship  Thee  they  meet, 
At  Thv  feet! 


FROM  FORTY-NINE  TO  FIFTY. 

Hail  !  Patrons,  hail  I  each  precious  gift  divine — life, 

health,  each  joy, 
These,  on  this  New-year's  morn,  are  wishes  from  your 

"Carrier  boy  !" 

The  old  year's  sudden  death — the  new  year's  birth  I  sing, 
And  still  the  weekly  "News,"  select,  delicious  bring — 
Through  summer's  sun,  thro'  winter's  storm  and  dashing 

rains  I  came, 
When  heat  oppressed — when  piercing  winds  did  rack  my 

tender  frame, 
For  all  this  toil,  exposed  to  summer's  burning  sun, 

To  winter's  snowy  drift — 
For  all  this  toil,  your  Carrier,  patrons,  justly  claims 

From  you  a  New-year's  gift  ! 


We  once  could  justly  boast  of  4  T  9, 

But  Tempus  now  has  stepp'd  A  f  the 

The  B  Z  year,  2  B  Z,  closed  his  I's, 

B  4  a  new  year's  O  had  time  to  rise. 

Of  naught  on  earth  R  U  allowed  2  say 

It  brings  no  f,  M  ^—  . — ■ —  no  D  K  ; 

Y,  don't  U  C,  stern  fate  B  4  U  stands 

And  waits  2  lay  on  U  its  I  C  %g^  %^-  ? 

'Tis  M  T  trash,  2  speak  of  bliss  below 

\Vhen  *  *  grow    dim  and  Life's  NMT  show, 

This  ||  looks  quite  2  odd,  U  C, 

As  coffee  does  when  U  R  asked  2  T. 

But,  Y,  U  ask,  the  O  and  *  *  M  ,— ~  ? 

A  few  more ,  2  answer  U,  I'll  trace  ; 


PROM     FORTY-NIKE    TO    FIFTY.  135 

Tis  but  2  show  that  fools  can  cut  a 

Ami  E  X  write  some of  M  T  trash, 

But  X  E  Wit,  2  kindle  pure  delight, 

B  4  he  writes,  should  first  M  —  ^the  light. 


Wake  up,  my  muse — in  sweet  and  mellow  verse, 
Such  scenes  as  mark  the  present  age  rehearse  : 
Each  age  has  some  peculiar  phase  or  side, 
Which  serves  the  skilful  artisan  as  guide  : 
May  Wisdom's  steady  hand  my  pen  direct 
To  draw  the  deeds  of  men,  and  facts,  correct  ; 
And  Thou,  the  source  of  every  gift  divine, 
Vouchsafe  this  grace — that  I  be  wholly  thine  ! 

The  rocking  main — the  rushing  tide  of  life, 
Unstayed  by  sin — by  war,  or  bloody  strife, 
By  falsehood,  cunning  schemes,  or  low  device, 
By  noblest  deeds,  or  tyrants'  fall  and  rise — 
This  rushing  tide — this  rolling  sea  sublime 
From  off  God's  book,  the  mystic  scroll  of  time 
Has  rolled,  unfolded — is  unfolding  still 
In  radiant  lines,  in  gloom,  Jehovah's  will. 

What  Moses  in  the  Law — what  Prophets  spake, 
Apostles  preached  or  Martyrs  at  the  stake, 
Each  grand  event  and  every  act  minute, 
From  petty  squabble  up  to  fierce  dispute, 
All  public  woes,  and  tears  in  private  shed 
By  children,  youths,  and  men  of  hoary  head, 
The  gath'ring  storms,  distress,  and  sweet  repose, 
In  Time's  great  book,  the  checkered  page  compose  ! 

What  stirring  scenes  with  each  revolving  year 
On  Life's  broad  bosom  witnessed,  disappear, 
Unknown,  mysterious  scenes  of  light  and  gloom, 
Yet  each  has  limits  fixed — a  certain  doom  ; 


136  FROM    FORTY-XIXE    TO    FIFTY. 

Thus,  on  Life's  troubled  sea,  storm-tossed  and  dark, 
Unerring  Wisdom  guides  our  fragile  bark:. 
Jehoyah  reigns,  and  "makes  the  wrath  of  man" 
To  praise  Him — and  unfold  His  wondrous  plan. 

The  mystic  "  time  and  times  and  half  a  time,*' 
Big  with  the  fates  of  men — with  truths  sublime, 
From  age  to  age — the  beacon  light  has  stood 
To  warn  the  wicked,  and  to  cheer  the  good  ; 
The  facts — -educed  by  each  successive  year, 
Have  added  light  and  made  the  sense  more  clear, 
Till  now,  in  these  our  own  eventful  days, 
The  word  its  brilliant  light,  in  fact,  displays. 

Time's  rugged  car,  entrenched  in  fiery  wheels, 

Moves  on  ;  the  earth,  'neath  vengeance  stagg'ring,  reels  ; 

On  every  side  the  sound  of  war  is  heard, 

And  wrath  divine  and  judgments  long  deferred  : 

The  nations  quake — the  troubled  sea  doth  roar, 

And  kingdoms  fall,  and  tyrants  reign  no  more  ; 

These  scenes  in  one  bright  flood  of  light  combine 

To  illustrate,  and  prove  God's  book  divine  ! 

Lo  !  in  what  strange  confusion  Earth  appears, 
Some  by  ambition  bound — some  mad  with  fears  ; 
Too  long  had  brutal  passions,  unrestrained, 
Their  course  pursued — the  world  of  comfort  drained, 
Till  from  the  wretched,  cries  for  help  arose 
To  Him,  who  doth, on  earth  each  lot  dispose  ; 
Their  piteous  cry  was  heard,  and  from  the  Lord 
Avenging  justice  came — the  fiery  sword  ! 

Imperial  Rome  from  'neath  the  gath'ring  gloom, 
Astonished,  heard  her  long  appointed  doom  ; 
Her  throne,  baptised  in  seas  of  human  gore, 
From  off  its  base  was  hurled  to  rise  no  more. 


PROM     FORTY-NINE    TO    FIFTY.  l.'iT 

On  winga  of  light  the  startling  news  were  spread, 
And  joy  filled  many  a  heart,  and  some  r  dread  ! 

Eoropa'fi  chains,  no  more  the  mass  appall. 
From  off  devoted  necks  the  shackles  tall! 

But  see.  the  vulgar  crowd,  released  from  chains. 
Within  no  proper  bounds  the  mass  remains  : 
For  as  the  mountain  torrents  wildly  bound 
Down  dizzy  steeps,  and  waste  the   country  round. 
So  the  fierce  passions,  raging  uncontrolled. 
In  wasting  torrents  o'er  the  country  roll 
Till  from  on  high,  armed  with  resistless  will 
Jevohah  spake  His  mighty  :  i#  Peace,  be  still  !" 

Mysterious  year — this  year  of  "forty-nine," 

What  brilliant  deeds,  what  cruel  wars  are  thine  ! 

What  multitudes  of  friends  and  home  deprived. 

And  numbers  more  in  glory  safe  an 

Many  a  child  of  parents  both  bei 

And  widows  poor  to  mourn  their  loss  are  left  ; 

For  these — when  stript  of  every  joy  beside, 

Do  Thou,  0  God,  in  tender  love  provide  ! 

But,  lo  !  amid  these  various  scenes  of  strife, 

Triumphant  reigns  the  blessed  u  Prince  of  Life," 

Depending  on  His  arm.  and  near  His  side. 

Moves  like  a  radiant  cloud  the  Church.  His  "  bride  :" 

Redeemed  from  sin.  His  faithful  band  will  ku 

No  bliss,  but  in  His  smile,  while  hei 

And    longing  wait,  in  yonder  sphere  sublime, 

To  sing  His  endl«--s  praise,  thro'  endless  time  ! 

proclaim. 
And  offer  life  and  bliss  in  Jesus1  name; 
"Their  path-  are  paths  of  peac<  le,  abroad, 

They  prospering  see  the  gracious  v.  |     1  | 


138  FOR    AX    ALBUM. 

Around  spring  temples  up,  and  from  them  rise 
Bright  clouds  of  fragrant  incense  to  the  skies — 
And  God,  to  whom  are  due  all  love  and  praise, 
D^th  on  His  churches  shed  rich  gifts  of  grace  ! 

Such  are  the  objects,  such  the  work  sublime, 
Which  here  do  occupy  the  Christian's  time. 
Blest  work  !   in  which  ray  Saviour  took  a  part, 
To  publish  peace — to  heal  the  broken  heart! 
For  this  my  weekly  messages  are  brought 
With  truth  divine,  with  every  virtue  fraught ; 
Without  display  I  pass  from  door  to  door 
To  please  the  rich  and  cheer  the  humble  poor. 

This  time,  as  ever,  has  my  New-year's  song 
Grown  line  by  line  until  it's  much  too  long; 
But  blame  me  not — the  song's  at  your  control, 
Unless  you  choose,  you  need  not  read  the  whole 
For  well  I  know,  that  what's  unwilling  read, 
Like  silly  dreams,  can  but  disturb  the  head. 
I'll  drop  the  thing — submit  the  whole  to  you, 
And,  parting,  say  to  each,  to  all — Adieu  ! 


FOR  AX  ALBUM. 


The  following  six  lines,  signed  E.  W.  R..  were  written  by  the  Rev.  E. 
W.  Reinecke,  D.  D.,  on  the  blue  leaf  of  an  Album.  On  the  opposite 
leaf  was  an  anchor  drawn,  and  in  connection  with  it.  the  Scripture 
words:  "Hope  is  the  anchor  of  the  Soul."  Immediately  below  it 
were  written  the  last  eight  lines  signed  d.  y.  h. 

"hope  is  THE  ANCHOR  OF  the  soul." 

But  when  Time's  billows  wildly  roll ; 
When  thy  frail  bark  is  rudely  tost 
By  tempest  high  ,  and  all  seems  lost ; 
Where  is  the  rock  on  which  to  cast 
This  anchor  holding  sure  and  fast? 

"The  Rock  of  A^es."  E    W.  R. 


1  WISH  HER  DREAM  WERE  TRUE  !  139 

"  E.  William  R.,"  and  "  D.-Y.— H.," 

Of  habits  like,  and  like  in  age  — 

Two  sportive  friends,  both  firm  and  true. 

Conjointly  use  this  page  of*'  blue," 

Prophetic— as  the  story  goes — 

Of  future  bliss,  of  banished  woes, 

Fit  EMBLEM,  as  a  friendly  scroll, 

Of  Hope — u  the  anchor  of  the  soul." 


I  WISH  HER  DREAM  WERE  TRIE! 

A  lady  friend  dreamt  that  she  was  in  a  sick  room  where  the  Guar- 
dian was  found.  Presently  the  attending  physician  came  in,  and, 
casting  his  eyes  around,  fixed  them  intently  upon  the  table  on  which 
some  copies  of  the  Guardian  were  lying,  when,  with  great  vehe- 
mence, he  exclaimed :  "  My  God.  what  can  this  mean  ?  The  Guardian 
in  every  house  I  come  to  !" 

I  wish  her  Dream  were  true — 
That  in  each  cot  and  palace  round, 
Were  truly  thus  u  The  Guardian"  found, 
Ceaseless,  in  strains  of  sweetest  sound, 

To  breathe  its  tales  of  love! 

I  wish  her  Dream  were  true — 
That,  gathered  round  the  social  hearth. 
In  serious  mood  or  playful  mirth, 
The  young — the  brightest  hopes  of  earth. 

The  Guardian  all  might  read! 

I  wish  her  Dream  were  true — 
That,  when  this  treach'rous  sea  of  life. 
Arrayed  in  smiles,  or  fierce  with  strife, 
Allures  to  scenes  with  mischief  rife, 

The  Guardian  then  were  near  ! 


140 


MODEL    WOMEN. 


I  wish  her  Dream  were  true — 
That,  in  this  dreary  world  below, 
Where  sadly  roam  the  high — the  low. 
A  refuge,  when  the  rough  winds  blow, 

The  Guardian  might  afford  ! 

I  wish  her  Dream  were  true — 
That,  when  the  pilgrim  sore  is  prest, 
rare-worn  and  sad — by  sin  distrest, 
And  grief  sits  nestling  in  the  breast, 

The  Guardian  then  might  cheer  ! 

I  wish  her  dream  were  true — 
That  when  disease  in  open  day 
Xor  nightly  doth  its  progress  stay, 
And  every  earthly  joy  gives  way, 

The  Guardian's  voice  were  near  ! 

I  wish  her  dream  were  true — 
That,  where  physicians  e'er  are  seen, 
Were  heard  :  "  My  God,  what  can  this  mean, 
In  every  house  and  cot,  I  ween, 

The  Guardian  I  must  meet  I" 


MODEL  WOMEX. 


With  permission  kindly  given, 
Founded  on  decrees  of  heaven, 
Here  a  picture  I  submit — 
Sketch  approved  in  Holy  Writ : 
Where,  as  in  a  glass,  are  seen 
Wives  divinely  fair,  I  ween  ; 
Women  God  doth  well  approve, 
Women  mortals  fain  would  love  ! 


CHRI8T    APPEARING    TO    THE    two    MARTS.  Ill 

Chaste  in  conversation  they, 
Fear  their  husbands  and  obey  ; 
Whose  adorning  sure  will  not 
Outward  be,  and  soon  forgot  ; 
Xot  apparel,  rich  and  fair, 
Wear  of  gold  or  plait  of  hair. 

Gentleness  beseemeth  them 
Better  far  than  gold  or  gem  j 
Ornament  divinely  fair, 
Time  doth  not  its  worth  impair  ; 
Exquisite — to  grace  the  end, 
Love  and  meekness  sweetly  blend  : 
Gems — tho'  many  prize  them  not, 
Precious  in  the  sight  of  God  ! 


CHRIST  APPEARING  TO  THE  TWO  MARYS. 

Scarcely  had  the  shades  of  night 

Yielded  to  the  dawn  of  day, 
Ere  the  Marys  came  in  sight 

Where  the  sleeping  Saviour  lay. 

Scenes  of  danger  heeding  not, 
At  the  grave  they  both  appear, 

Anxious  o'er  the  sacred  spot 
Each  to  shed  affection's  tear. 

Suddenly  a  vision  bright 

Stands  before  their  ravished  eyes  : 

Gazing  on  the  lovely  sight, 

They  do  hear  with  sweet  surprise  : 

"  Fear  not,  for  I  know  ye  seek 
Jesus,  which  was  crucified, 


142  CHRIST    APPEARING    TO    THE    TWO    MARYS. 

He  is  risen — once  the  weak — 
See  the  place  He  occupied. 

"  Quickly  go — the  story  tell, 
He  is  risen  from  the  dead  ; 

Vanquished  now  the  gates  of  hell, 
Death  itself  is  captive  led  ! 

"  Haste  ye,  lo  !  the  Lord  has  gone, 

Yonder  in  sweet  Galilee, 
Where  His  mighty  works  were  done, 

There  shall  ye  the  Saviour  see  !'" 

Quickly  thence  departing,  they — 
Glad,  to  see  their  risen  Lord, 

And  the  heav'nly  voice  obey — 
Bring  to  His  disciples  word. 

Theerily  they  speed  their  "  way" 
Fair  as  Eden's  shady  bow'rs 

Blest,  in  blessing  others,  they — 

Lo  !  their  path  is  decked  with  flow'rs  ! 

On  their  pleasing  errand  gone, 

Jesus  meets  them,  saying  :  "  Hail !'' 

Touching  scene  !  to  sketch  alone 
Pen  alike  and  pencil  fail  ! 

Lowly  bending  at  His  feet, 
They  their  risen  Lord  adore  ; 

Jesus  kindly  doth  repeat, 

What  the  Angel  spake  before  ; 

"  Go — my  weeping  brethren  tell 
That  they  haste  to  Galilee — 

There,  triumphant  over  hell, 

Me,  their  Saviour  they  shall  see  !" 


ANTIQUE    DtJ    VETERAN.  143 

O  !   it  was  a  precious  time. 

Gracious  were  the  words  He  spake  ; 
Jesus  seen — His  form  divine 

Did  in  them  each  joy  awake  ! 


CANTIQUE   DC    VETERAN. 

FROM  THE    FRENCH. 

How  long,  how  long,  with  fears  distrest, 

Wilt  Thou,  thus  low,  behold  me  bro't  ? 
How  long,  how  long,  with  guilt  opprest, 

Must  T  see  me  by  Thee  forgot  ? 
(),  why  for  ever,  God  severe — 

Away  from  me  Thine  eye  dost  turn  ? 
Ah  !  art  Thou  not  a  Father  dear — 

The  sweetest  hope  of  them  that  mourn  ? 

By  night — by  day — I  Thee  implore. 

Appease  my  troubled  heart  in  me  ! 
Speak  peace,  0  God,  my  soul  unto, 

0  Lord,  no  longer  angry  be  ! 
(),  deign  my  wretched  heart  to  cheer. 

On  me  a  gracious  eye  to  turn  ! 
Oh  !  Thou  art  e'er  a  Father  dear — 

The  sweetest  hope  of  them  that  mourn  ! 

Now  near  the  tomb — my  body  cold — 

Death  seizes  on  my  senses  sure  ; 
0  Lord,  Thy  pard'ning  grace  unfold 

Unto  an  "old  man"  sad  and  poor  ! 
My  soul  doth  hope  in  Christ,  so  near. 

With  Him  may  I  in  heaven  sojourn  : 
0  I.«>rd.  Thou  art  a  Father  dear — 

The  sweetest  HOPE  of  them  that  mourn! 


144  VISIT    OF    THE    MAGI. 

Blest  he,  that  in  the  Lord  doth  die, 
His  soul  redeemed  the  Saviour  bj  ; 

He  sweetly  rests  from  all  his  pains — 
From  all  his  sorrows  he  released, 
From  all  his  woes  and  labours  eased, 

From  all  his  foes  and  from  his  chains  ; 
To  Heaven  his  works  do  him  succeed, 
When  Christ  will  make  him  blest  indeed  ! 


IMPROMPTU  ON  WRITING  A  COMPOSITION. 

FOR   A    LITTLE   GIRL. 

A  composition  good  and  long 
With  not  a  single  sentence  wrong, 
In  spite  of  cloudy  morn  or  night 
I  must,  to  please  my  teacher,  write  : 
And  if  I  might  but  choose  my  plan 
And  write  one  such  as  best  I  can  j 
But  size,  as  well  as  form,  defines 
My  Master,  thus  :   "  At  least  ten  lines." 
It  is  too  hard,  but  here  they  go — 
"  Ten  lines,"  and  this  is  all  I  know  ! 


VISIT  OF  THE  MAGI. 

Guided  by  that  mystic  star, 

Ne'er  by  mortals  seen  before, 
Lo  !  the  Magi  from  afar 

Come  the  Saviour  to  adore  ! 
Lowly  bending  o'er  the  spot 

Where  the  infant  Saviour  lay, 
See  them  freely  pouring  out 

Treasures,  while  they  praise  and  pray  : 


LINKS    ON     FAITH.  1  15 

So,  whene'er  the  Saviour  dear, 
Shadowed  by  that  mystic  star. 

In  His  precious  grace  is  near. 

Hence  to  lure  thy  spirit  far, 
May  you,  then,  with  sweet  accord, 

As  the  Wise-men  once  before, 
Xear  in  spirit  to  your  Lord, 

Lowly  bending,  Him  adore  ! 


LINES    OX  FAITH. 

Faith  ! — Tis  a  precious  gift, 
A  leading  grace  I  ween — 
The  sum  of  all  we  hope  or  seek, 
The  sense  of  things  not  seen  ! 

By  it.  the  ancient  chiefs  — 
The  faithful  and  the  true, 

When  wearied  by  a  thousand  griefs 
And  sorrows  ever  new — 
Each,  leaning  on  this  grace, 
A  good  report  obtained  ! 

And,  when  their  life  was  fled  apace, 
O'er  death  a  triumph  gained  ! 

Thro'  faith  we  understand 
That — Reason  0  how  shamed — 

Obedient  each  to  God's  command, 
The  orbed  worlds  were  framed. 
And  hence  'tis  truly  said, 
That  objects  far  and  near 

\\Vre  not  as  by  mechanics  made 
Of  things  which  do  afpfak  ! 


146  LINES    OX     FAITH. 

By  faith  did  Abel  bring 

A  sacrifice  approved — 
More  precious  than  the  gifts  of  Cain 

Who  ne'er  his  Maker  loved  ; 

By  which  he  likewise  gained 

A  witness  fair  and  good, 
That  he  a  righteous  man  was  found. 

With  God  in  favor  stood  I 

By  faith  was  Enoch  spared 
The  cruel  pangs  of  death    - 

Translated  by  the  God  of  grace, 
Xor  yielding  up  his  breath  : 
For  he — and  Oh  !  how  blest — 
Had,  ere.  from  earth  released. 

The  cheering  witness  in  his  breast. 
His  Maker  that  he  pleased  ! 

But  when,  of  faith  devoid, 
Proud  mortals  here  below 

Approach  the  God  of  Holiness, 
'Tis  all  an  empty  show  ; 
For  God,  without  this  grace. 
We  mortals  cannot  please. 

Since  he,  who  comes  to  God,  must  feel 
God  is — a  God  of  Peace  ! 

By  faith  did  Xoah — warned 
Of  things  not  seen  as  yet, 

And  moved  by  fear — prepare  an  ark 
And  so  the  danger  met  ; 
By  which,  the  wicked  world 
Was  doomed  to  endless  shame, 

And  he  an  heir  of  righteousness 
By  faith  in  God  became  ! 


BE    C0NTEN1  ,  117 

]>v  faith,  when  he  was  called, 

Did  Abraham  depart — 
And  so  the  voice  of  God  obeyed 

The  man  of  pious  heart — 

Scarce  knowing  where  to  go, 

Yet  ceased  not  to  believe 
That  hk  the  bright  inheritance 

Should  afterward  receive  ! 

By  faith  sojourning  lone, 

The  country  he  surveyed — 
There  dwelt  a  stranger  writh  his  son. 

The  heir  of  Promise  made  ; 

For  he  a  city  sought 

With  basis  firm  and  broad, 
Whose  BUILDER  is  the  Sovereign  Lord, 

The  ever-living  (4od  ! 

Faith  ! — 'Tis  a  precious  gift, 
A  leading  grace  I  ween — 
The  sum  of  all  we  hope  or  seek 
The  sense  of  things  not  seen  ! 


BE  CONTEXT. 


Things  are  transient  here  below. 
Joys  incessant  come  and  go, 
Pleasures  here  are  all  we  know. 

Affixed  with  woe  ! 

Still  each  season  kindlv  brings 
With  its  bitter,  sweetest  things, 
Many  a  bird  with  drooping  wings, 
Sweetly  sii 


148  LINES    FOR    LIZZIE. 

Glad  the  limpid  waters  flow 

In  their  channels  meek  and  low. 

Nor  a  plaintive  feeling  show 

As  they  go  I 

So,  too,  speak  in  notes  of  love 
Voices  from  the  field  and  grove, 
And  the  starry  hosts  above 

As  thev  rove  ! 


LINES  FOR  LIZZIE. 

One,  me-thinks — of  tender  age, 
Glancing  o'er  this  printed  page, 
Will  discern  a  promise  here, 
Hasty  made  and  yet  sincere, 
Now,  tho'  somewhat  after  time, 
Cleverly  discharg'd  in  rhyme. 

And,  as  I  do  chiefly  write 
For  this  little  merry  sprite, 
She  will  surely  here  discern 
And  a  lesson  meekly  learn — 
Learn  how  freely  Jesus  loves, 
And  each  humble  soul  approves  ! 

He,  by  Angel-bands  on  high 
Praised  beyond  the  vaulted  sky, 
In  Himself  supremely  bless'd, 
And  of  every  joy  possessed — 
Leaves  the  shining  seats  above 
And  descends  on  wings  of  love  ! 

When  on  earth  he  lived  and  moved, 
Christ  u  the  little  children"  loved — 


TO     MY     WIFE.  1  1!' 

Did  the  tender  lambs  embrace 
And  on  them  bestow  His  gra< 
Now  Be  pleads  for  them  above. 
High  in  yonder  world  of  love! 

Like  the  Saviour,  mild  and  meek, 
Children  should  His  blessing  seek, 
Love  their  little  playmates  dear 
And  each  sinful  action  fear: 
Jesus  will  their  Hklpkr  prove. 
Full  of  mercy— full  of  love  ! 

Cheerful,  loving,  brisk  and  gay. 
Children  should  devoutly  pray — 
Bend  the  knee,  and  lift  the  eye 
Up  to  Him  who  rules  on  high  ; 
Thus  in  humble  faith  adore 
Christ  who  loves  us  evermore  ! 


TO   MY   WIFE. 

Fairest  of  the  fair  on  earth. 
Xoble  in  thy  mien  and  birth, 
Child  of  deep  and  tender  love, 
Partner  of  the  pure  above — 
In  thy  meek  and  placid  fa 
True  affection  I  can  trace — 
of  the  dear  and  precious  few, 
Dearest  to  my  heart  are  you  ! 

When  my  soul  in  sadness  wails, 
And  each  fond  affection  fails  : 
When  the  sky  looks  dark  and  drear, 
And  no  star  doth  there  appear : 


150  THEY    ALL    SAY    SO. 

Then  I  gaze  on  thee  and  know 
One  is  faithful  here  below — 
Of  the  dear  and  precious  few, 
Dearest  to  my  heart  are  you  I 

Joined  in  bonds  of  purest  love, 
By  the  Lord  who  reigns  aboveT 
We  are  one  in  heart  and  soul, 
And  submit  to  His  control — 
With  me  thou  dost  tread  the  road 
Which  conducts  us  up  to  God — 
Of  the  dear  and  precious  few, 
Dearest  to  my  heart  are  you  ! 


THEY  ALL  SAY  SO  I 

I  saw  a  little  infant  blest, 

All  innocence  and  glee, 
Reclining  on  its  mother's  breast, 

Sit  on  its  mother's  knee, 
And  on  that  little  infant's  face 

I  read  the  sentence  plain  : 
The  burthen  of  this  mortal  life 

Is — sorrow,  grief,  and  pain  ! 

I  saw  a  child  of  riper  years, 

More  sportive  still  than  this, 
And  in  its  little  eyes  there  beamed 

An  over-flowing  bliss  ; 
Yet  ever  and  anon  it  spake 

In  simple,  childlike  strain  : 
The  burthen  of  this  mortal  life 

Is — sorrow,  grief  and  pain  ! 


THE?     All.     SAY     so.  151 

I  saw  a  youth  of  finest  form, 

With  spirits  strong  and  high, 
Life  seemed  to  him  a  pleasant  dream. 

A  constant  flow  of  joy  ; 
But  on  his  manly  brow  I  traced 

The  mark  of  sin's  domain  : 
The  burthen  of  this  mortal  life 

Is— sorrow,  grief,  and  pain  ! 

I  saw  a  yet  more  lovely  maid, 

With  blushing  cheeks  and  fair, 
Her  eye  was  full  of  tend'rest  love, 

Her  heart  as  light  as  air  ; 
Yet  she — the  sweet  and  lovely  maid 

Could  not  the  sigh  restrain  : 
The  burthen  of  this  mortal  life 

Is — sorrow,  grief,  and  pain  ! 

I  saw  a  man  of  riper  age, 

Full  thirty  years  and  ten, 
Whose  visage  fair  and  noble  mien 

Gave  vigor  to  my  pen  5 
Yet  as  I  wrote  him  "happy"  down. 

He  cried — in  sad  refrain  : 
The  burthen  of  this  mortal  life 

Is — sorrow,  grief,  and  pain  ! 

I  saw  an  aged  pilgrim  now, 

With  silv'ry  locks  and  gray, 
And  heard  him,  leaning  on  his  staff. 

With  deep  emotion  say  : 
"  Lo  !  infancy  and  childhood  fair, 

And  youth  and  age  complain  : 
The  burthen  of  this  mortal  life 

Is — sorrow,  grief,  and  pain  !" 


DEDICATION  FOR  AN  ALBUM. 

This  "Album"  is  a  "garden-plot" — where  love 

Doth  nourish  plants  descended  from  above, 

Where  flow'rets,  decked  with  beauty  and  with  grace, 

A  genial  soil  may  find— a  welcome  place  ; 

Where  ev'ry  virtue  thrives  and  vice  disarms  ; 

Where  sinless  love  displays  its  sweetest  charms  ; 

Where  innocence  and  beauty  may  combine 

A  fadeless  "wreath"  for  Friendship's  brow  to  twine  ! 

Come,  Patrons,  write  upon  this  snowy  sheet, 
In  verse  or  prose,  some  lines  with  love  replete  ; 
And  let  this  "Album,"  tho'  not  wholly  "white," 
Betray  no  hateful  tho't  in  what  you  write  ; 
'Tis  Friendship's  Album  called,  and  should  be  pure 
As  gold  in  furnace  tried  5  nor  ever  'lure 
The  unwary  feet  and  guileless  heart  of  youth 
Save  to  the  sparkling  fount  of  love  and  truth  ! 


WELCOME  TO  MY  REDEEMER. 

ADVENT  HYMN. 

"  Welcome,  welcome,  dear  Redeemer, 

Welcome  to  this  heart  of  mine  :" 
Be  Thou  mine  and  mine  forever, 
And  my  soul  forever  Thine — 
Thine,  0  Saviour, 
Thine  forever, 
Be  this  ransomed  heart  of  mine  ! 


THE    A.XGEL-GREETIXG.  L53 

u  Welcome,  welcome,  dear  Redeemer. 

Welcome  to  this  heart  of  mine  ;" 
Re  my  life,  my  light,  and  glory, 

Let  Thy  lijiht  within  me  shine — 

Light  of  heaven, 

Kindly  given, 
Shine,  within  my  bosom,  shine  I 

"  Welcome,  welcome,  dear  Redeemer, 

Welcome  to  this  heart  of  mine  ;,? 
Take,  0  take  me,  Lord,  forever, 
Thine  I  am  and  only  Thine— 
None  shall  ever, 
'Tween  us  sever, 
f  am  Thine  and  Thou  art  mine  ! 


MINISTERS  OF  CHRIST. 

O,  for  the  Heroes,  firm  and  strong, 

To  preach  God's  word,  divinely  called, 
Endued  with  power  to  dare  the  wrong, 

Xor  by  men's  blust'ring  threats  appalled  ; 
With  tongues  of  fire  and  hearts  of  love, 

May  they  proclaim  Thy  saving  Word, 
And,  kindly  aided  from  above. 

May  sinners  bow  before  Thee.  Lord  ! 


THE  ANGEL-GREETING. 

The  sky  was  bathed  in  lovliest  hues, 

And  moon  and  stars  were  sweetly  mnte, 
And  whisp'rings,  soft  as  sounds  of  late, 

Came,  mingling  with  the  felling  dews — 


154  new-year's  address. 

An  Angel,  from  that  brilliant  zone, 
In  glory  swept  athwart  the  plain  : 

And  radiant  hosts  their  Chief  did  own, 
And,  rapt,  broke  forth  in  sweetest  strain. 

Exultant  shouting — as  they  sang — 

"  To  God  Most  High  be  glory  given" — 
"  And  peace  on  earth,  good-will  to  men,'' 

Responsive,  still  the  chorus  rang  ! 


new-year's  address. 

I  come,  your  faithful  Carrier-boy,  once  more, 

My  Patrons,  on  this  New-year's  morn,  to  greet  ; 
I  wish  you,  now,  as  I  have  done  before, 

Much  joy — a  long,  long  life  with  bliss  replete  : 
I  wish  you  health,  and  pious  friends  and  kind. 

Whate'er  of  good,  or  Time  or  Earth  can  give — 
I  wish  you  peace  with  God — a  Saviour's  mind. 

And  with  Him,  in  His  peerless  joy,  to  live  ! 


The  Law  of  Carrier-boys — 'tis  said  by  men — 
Compels  them,  once  a  year,  to  use  their  pen  : 
The  Rule  is  wise,  and  serves  a  purpose  high, 
It  gives  a  chance  their  growing  strength  to  try. 
'Tis  true,  great  dangers  also  meet  the  young, 
And  pit-falls  lie  the  shining  path  along — 
The  meek,  the  rose-bud  opens  to  adorn, 
But  warns  th'  aspiring,  to  beware  the  thorn  ! 

I  know  it — 'Tis  ambition's  pow'r  that  sways 
The  fickle  world  with  all  its  foolish  ways  ; 
Each  in  his  turn  doth  painted  honors  seek, 
Th'  aspiring  proud,  and  e'en  the  seeming  meek  ; 


new-year's  a i»i>k i  s  155 

The  humblest  often  craves  a  wreath  of  fame, 
And  on  the  solid  rock  inscribes  his  name  ; 
ESacb  recent  fashion,  style,  or  mode  of  life, 
All  are  but  forms  with  rank  ambition  rife  ! 

Such  is  the  world — Its  virtues  idle  seem, 
And  all  its  boasted  works  are  but  a  dream. 
The  deeds  of  men,  thus,  wear  a  double  face, 
In  form  attractive,  but  in  essence  base: 
But  o'er  this  vain  and  fleeting  world  there  is, 
What  shall  we  say  ?  a  scene  of  perfect  bliss ; 
And  all  my  weekly  rounds,  and  anxious  care, 
But  for  this  highest  good — incite — prepare  ! 

What  have  I  brought  you  in  each  weekly  call  ? 
What  messages  alike  for  each — for  all? — 
Was  not  the  burden  of  my  song,  each  week, 
Repent  of  sin — your  loving  Saviour  seek? 
Did  not  each  sheet,  I  carried  to  your  door, 
Contain  some  comfort  for  the  humble  poor? 
And  was  not,  also,  for  the  haughty  there 
A  word,  of  warning  to  arouse  his  fear? 

I  know  full  well,  my  efforts  are  but  weak, 
And  imperfection,  in  each  line,  bespeak  ; 
I  fear  not  to  confess  this  common  shame, 
Or  ask  forgiveness  in  a  Saviour's  name  ; 
'Tis  better  far  to  learn  our  follies  here, 
And  o'er  them  shed  the  penitential  tear, 
Than  hide  our  sin,  and  in  our  blindness  boast. 
Till,  in  the  final  wreck,  our  souls  be  lost ! 

With  thoughts  like  these  impressed,  I  came 
A  u  Messenger"  of  peace  ;  and,  in  God's  name, 
Did  warn  the  wicked  of  his  ways  perverse, 
And,  in  his  ears,  the  coming  doom  rehearse  ; 


156  new-year's  address. 

The  humble  I  did  cheer:  and.  when  afraid. 
A  soothing  balm  upon  his  heart  I  laid  ; 
Pointed  poor  sinners  to  the  "  Lamb  of  God.'* 
With  hopes  of  pardon  in  atoning  blood  ! 

Still  more— I  led  the  blind  in  Virtue's  way, 
And  gave  directions  how  to  praise  and  pray ; 
To  read  God's  holy  Word  with  profit — how 
The  soul  must  to  i^s  precepts  humbly  bow  : 
I  warned,  against  delusions,  young  and  old, 
And  how  these  nets  to  shun  I  often  told  ; 
No  single  law  or  precept,  that  I  knew, 
For  want  of  forethought  left  I  out  of  view  ! 

How  often,  on  some  wintry  eve,  I've  taught 
Sweet  truth,  by  parents  and  by  children  sought ! 
The  blithesome  group  around  the  table  sat, 
And  read — the  one  loved  this,  the  other  that. 
For  each  one,  thus,  a  little  crumb  I  brought. 
And  each  his  own  by  far  the  sweetest  thought  ; 
Then,  at  the  close,  they  read  the  sacred  Word, 
Around  the  Altar  knelt,  and  blessed  the  Lord  ! 

"  Amen"  —  so  each  one,  with  the  father,  said, 
And  then  arose,  and  hastened  off  to  bed  ; 
The  night  gave  rest — 'twas  not  too  short  nor  long, 
The  weary  limbs  relaxed,  and  then  grew  strong  : 
The  spirit — calm,  confiding  in  its  God — 
Beneath  His  shadow  found  a  safe  abode  ; 
And  o'er  the  bed,  and  'round  it  angels  stood, 
From  ill  defending,  and  bestowing  good  ! 

When,. by  and  by,  the  morn  began  to  dawn, 
Ere  Sol's  bright  rays  had  kissed  the  dewy  lawn, 
Refreshed  and  quickened  by  their  sweet  repose, 
They  all,  from  oldest  down  to  youngest,  'rose  ; 


l.nVK     AND     HATE.  l.">7 

And,  trained  most  fitly  by  parental  care. 
Kach  offered  up  its  simple  morning  pray'r  ; 
Then,  cheerful,  each  unto  his  labor  sped, 
And  ceaseless  wrought  until  the  day  was  tied! 

I  may  not  claim,  as  many  seem  to  claim. 
Some  special  praise,  or  honors  to  my  name  : 
Yet,  as  a  u  Messenger"  from  God,  I  brought 
A  pious  mind,  and  so  these  wonders  wrought : 
For,  love  to  God,  and  love  to  man,  I  ween, 
As  factors,  in  each  pious  work,  are  seen  ; 
And  "godliness'*  secures,  as  taught  by  some, 
The  present  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come  ! 

Of  praise  so  far  as  this  is  due  to  men — 
I  claim,  and  justly  claim  a  portion  then. 
My  weekly  calls,  I  made  from  door  to  door, 
The  rich  I  pleased — I  cheered  the  humble  poor. 
And  all  my  labors,  done  in  purest  love, 
Sought,  first  of  all,  to  fix  the  heart  above ; 
And,  now,  with  each  one's  highest  good  in  view. 
I  bid  you,  patrons,  all  a  kind  Adieu  ! 


LOVE  AND  HATE. 

Two  sprightly  lasses,  young  and  gay. 
Met  oftentimes  to  frisk  and  play, 
And  just  as  often  as  they  met, 
The  one  of  them  got  in  a  pet — 
Sweet  Amie  always  kept  so  cool, 
That  Spitie  called  her  ape  and  fool  j 

She  bore  the  insult,  meek  and  kind. 
And  quarrels  Spitie  could  not  find  ; 


158  SOMETHING    FOR    CHILDREN. 

One  day  sweet  Amie  said  of  Love 
That  it  descended  from  above, 
And  Spitie  said  :  my  Hate,  I  know, 
Hails  from  the  regions  dark  below. 

At  this  confession  Amie  smiled, 
But  Spitie  saw  her  and  reviled ! 
The  little  creature,  meek  and  mild, 
Said,  kindly  chiding,  "  hush  my  child." 
The  visage  grim  of  Spitie  grew 
Pale,  at  this  word,  and  red  and  blue. 

Poor  Amie  feared  or  fist  or  palm, 
Yet,  conscious  of  her  right,  was  calm; 
And  Spitie,  seeing  Love  so  strong, 
Confessed  to  Amie  all  her  wrong ; 
Their  hearts — cemented  into  one — 
Bore  witness  of  this  wonder  done  ! 

Xow  oft  the  lasses,  young  and  gay, 
Meet  lovingly  to  frisk  and  play. 
And  so  the  story — they  relate — 
Shows  Love  superior  far  to  Hate; 
The  peerless  virtue  from  above, 
Triumphant  over  Hate,  is — Love  ! 


SOMETHING    FOR  CHILDREN. 

The  little  folks,  so  bright  and  gay, 

Who  read  the  "  Helper,"  sing,  and  pray, 

Are  children  truly  wise  ; 
If,  as  they  read,  and  sing,  and  pray, 
They  also  walk  in  Wisdom's  way, 

Conducting  to  the  skies ! 


OUB    SAINTED     LOVED    ONES.  159 

The  "Helper"  gently  moves  the  heart. 
From  sin,  and  death,  and  hell  to  part. 

And  seek  its  home  above  ; 
It  drives  away  the  shades  of  night, 
And  kindles  there  a  sacred  light — 

The  light  oflife  and  love! 

And  little  folks,  so  richly  blest, 
With  means  of  sacred  joy  and  rest, 

Are  children  blest  indeed  ; 
They  live  a  life  of  peace  below, 
Xor  bitter  tears  above  shall  know, 

Xor  any  painful  need  ! 

Then,  children,  come — all  bright  and  gay, 
Come  read  the  "  Helper,"  sing,  and  pray, 

Be  children  truly  wise  ; 
And,  as  you  read,  and  sing,  and  pray, 
Walk  briskly  on  in  Wisdom's  way, 

Still  upward  to  the  skies  ! 


OUR  SAINTED  LOVED  ONES. 

FOR  MR.   AND   MRS.   W.  B.    B. 

'Twas  quiet  on  that  eve  of  fate, 
When,  thoughtful,  sat  we,  and  sedate  ; 
And,  then,  a  tap — strong  tapping  at  the  door, 
That  knock,  we  tho't,  tho'  strange,  was  heard  before, 
But  louder,  now,  it  seemed,  and  cruel  more  ; 
And  each  one  felt  a  painful  thrill 
Yet,  stricken,  we  were  still — were  still ! 


160  OUR  SAIXTED  LOVED  OXES. 

Time  passed,  and  cheeks,  once  rosy-bright, 
Were  strangely  dimpled  now  with  white  ; 
But,  then,  in  sweet  and  tender  notes  we  heard 
That  strangely  soothing,  soft,  and  magic  word, 
The  blessed,  soothing  word  of  Christ — the  Lord  j 
And,  then,  we  bowed,  in  silence  bowed, 
And  to  our  Lord  submission  vowed  ! 

Again  we  heard  a  whisp'ring  sweet, 
For  angel  tongues  and  voices  meet ; 
And  far  away,  in  that  bright  spirit-land, 
There,  happy,  stood  the  twain  with  angel-band  ; 
And,  thenj  in  triumph  each  one  waved  the  hand  ; 
And,  thus,  we  knew — knew  what  it  meant, 
Removed  were  they  whom  God  had  lent ! 

And  often,  now,  as  vent  rous  fancy  paints 
The  joys  supreme  of  rescued  saints, 
We  seem,  in  rapt'rous  notes  again  to  hear 
Sweet  voices,  gently,  softly,  strike  the  ear  j 
And  so  the  charming  song  continues  near, 
Still  floating — quiv'ring  on  the  air, 
In  measured  accents,  sweet  and  fair ! 

And,  0,  how  soon  that  call  shall  come, 
Which  welcomes  all  to  yon  sweet  home  ! 
When,  joyous,  we,  with  all  the  sainted  dead, 
Shall,  rescued,  stand  before  the  bar  so  dread, 
And,  clothed  in  Christ,  the  Church's  living  Head, 
Be  joined  with  saints  of  fair  renown, 
And,  with  them,  wear  th'  immortal  crown  ! 

What  glorious  prospects,  fair  and  bright, 

Await  us  in  that  world  of  light  ! 
The  blessed  saints,  from  all  their  failings  free, 
Shall  there,  cnrapt,  the  King  of  glory  see  ; 


THK    SERVANTS    <>F    CHRIST.  161 

And,  then,  in  Him  exulting,  bend  the  knee, 
And,  so,  with  hosts  of  angels  bright, 
Shall  bask  in  seas  of  living  light ! 


THE  GOOD  MAN'S  LIFE. 

The  good  man  dies,  indeed,  but  leaves  behind 
The  strong,  sweet  savor  of  a  holy  life  ; 

His  earnest  faith,  and  love,  and  labors  find 
A  mellow  soil  with  vital  forces  rife  ; 

Where  ownward,  even  to  the  latest  hour, 

They  live  to  work  in  secret,  silent,  power  ! 


THE  SERVANTS  OF  CHRIST. 

And  who  are  they  that  claim  to  be 
Commissioned  from  above, 

To  preach  alike  to  bond  and  free 
God's  sweet  and  boundless  love  ? 

Heralds  of  Christ,  in  mercy  sent 

Glad  tidings  to  proclaim — 
Th'  unrighteous  urging  to  repent 

And  trust  in  Jesus'  name  : 
While,  to  the  penitent,  they  speak 

Sweet  words  of  pardon — peace  ; 
And  kindly  urge  them  all  to  seek 

From  sin  a  full  release  ! 

O,  what  a  wondrous  work  is  theirs, 
Their  calling — 0  how  high  ! 

Of  life,  in  Christ,  to  make  men  heirs, 
Proclaim  salvation  nigh  : 


162  LIVES    ON    THE    FABLE    OF    THE    RAIN    DROPS. 

The  words  of  peace  to  mourners  speak, 
To  comfort  the  distrest — 

To  proffer  healing  to  the  sick, 
And  to  the  weary — rest ! 

Then,  when  their  kindly  work  is  done, 
They  lay  their  armor  down, 

And,  mounting  to  the  exalted  throne, 
Receive  th?  immortal  crown! 


LINES  ON  THE  FABLE  OF  THE  RAIN  DROPS. 

FIRST    VERSION. 

Just  as  the  little  rain-drops 

Came  patt'ring  on  the  ground, 
To  cheer  the  saddened  farmer, 

Whom  in  the  field  they  found  ; 
Uniting  all  their  forces, 

And  hastening  down  below, 
The  arid  soil  was  moistenedr 

The  corn  was  made  to  grow. 

So,  too,  should  little  children, 

In  pity  and  in  love — 
Like  gentle  rain  distilling 

Rich  blessings  from  above — 
Unite  their  kindly  offerings, 

Their  efforts  evermore, 
And  shower  daily  blessings 

Upon  the  humble  poor. 

SECOND    VERSION. 

Just  as  the  rain-drops  and  the  dew 
Rejoiced  the  farmer — cheered  his  soil : 


THY    WILL    BE    DONS.  It;.') 

So  should  the  little  children,  too, 

Make  glad  the  poor— relieve  their  toil ! 

Each  one  alone  not  much  can  give, 

But,  if  one  gives,  then  others  will ; 
And  so  they  can  the  poor  relieve, 

As  many  waters  turn  the  mill ! 

Each  little  gift — a  dime,  a  cent, 

Will  of  the  treasure  make  a  part ; 
And  trifles,  thus,  in  mercy  lent, 

Will  greatly  bless  and  cheer  the  heart ! 


"THY  WILL  BE  DONE." 

When  stern  affliction's  hand  is  laid 

Upon  this  frame  of  mine, 
And  woes,  in  deepest  gloom  arrayed, 

Against  me  thus  combine — 
Then,  Father,  to  Thy  throne  on  high 
In  faith  I  lift  my  tearful  eye, 

And  say  :  Thy  will  be  done  ! 

When  o'er  me  comes  disaster  bleak, 
And  riches  take  them  wings — 

Fly  swift  away  as  lightning  streak, 
And  grief  each  moment  brings — 

Then,  0  my  God,  to  Thee  I  look, 

Thus  bravely  each  misfortune  brook, 
And  say  :  Thy  will  be  done ! 

When  foes  in  mighty  mass  combine, 
And  friends  grow  faint  and  few — 

When  every  tort'ring  pain  is  mine, 
And  tears  mine  eyes  bedew — 


164  THY    WILL    BE    DONE. 

Then,  Father,  to  Thy  hand  benign. 
Composed,  do  I  myself  resign, 
And  say  :  Thy  will  be  done  ! 

When  silent  grief  my  bosom  heaves. 

My  heart  with  anguish  wrung — 
When  sorrow  not  a  moment  leaves 

The  trembling  nerves  unstrung — 
Then,  0  my  God,  still  fost'ring  me, 
I  lift  my  burthened  soul  to  Thee. 

And  say  :  Thy  will  be  done  ! 

When  weary  with  the  cares  of  life, 
By  constant  woe  pressed  down — 

When  each  blest  day,  with  sorrow  rife, 
Brings  me  a  thorny  crown — 

Then,  Father,  in  Thy  wise  decree 

Assured,  I  lift  my  soul  to  Thee, 
And  say  :  Thy  will  be  done  I 

When  prostrate  on  my  couch  I  lie. 
And  hope  my  breast  forsakes  — 

When  languid  grows  my  fixed  eyey 
And  life  of  gloom  partakes — 

Then,  Saviour,  in  Thy  purple  tide 

Still  calmly  shall  my  soul  confide, 
And  say  :  Thy  will  be  done  ! 

When  death,  at  length,  with  sable  wing 
Spreads  darkness  o'er  my  soul — 

When  love  nor  friendship  aid  can  bring, 
Xor  skill  the  tide  control — 

Then,  Father,  by  the  Spirit's  breath. 

Sustained,  I  triumph  e'en  in  death. 
And  say  :  Thy  will  be  done  ! 


ALLES  1ST  EITEL— EIN  TRAUM. 

In  einer  Nacht,  gar  heiss  und  schwuel, 

Lag  ich  auf  meinem  Bette, 
Mein  Herz  war  voll  von   Schwergefuehl, 

Mein  Geist  in  einer  Kette, 
Da  traeumte  mir,  ich  reiste  hin 

Wo  frueher  ieh  mal  wohnte. 
Besuchte  meiner  Freunde  viel, 

Und  treu'  mit  treu'  belohnte. 

Da  schien's  als  ob  sie  gaeben  mir 

Sehr  herrliche  Geschenke  ; 
Der  eine  bringt  Goldmuenzen  viel 

Und  legt  sie  mir  in  Haende  ; 
Der  and're  bringt  mir  Kleidstueck-  dar 

Mit  grosser  Mueh'  bereitet ; 
Ein  dritter  maeht  den  Weg  mir  klar, 

Mich  hie  und  da  begleitet. 

9     ging'a — ich  luehlte  mich  beglueeki, 

Weil  Freunde  viel  mirdienten; 
Doch,  ach  ! — ich  wurde  fast  verrueckt. 

Der  Stolz  blieb  nicht  dahinten  ; 
M*in  Ilcrr.  der  alles  sieht  und  weiss, 

Sah  meine  schlimme  Lage ; 
Und  hoerte  nun,  /war  sanft  und  leis, 

Auch  meine  bitt're  Klage. 


166  ALLES    1ST    EITEL EIX    TRAUM. 

Da  lies  Er,  auf  dem  schoenen  Weg, 

Mich  viele  Lieut'  begleiten, 
Und,  so,  durch  einen,  im  Gespraech, 

Mir  Licht  und  Heil  bereiten : 
Der  sprach,  als  ich  ihra  nahe  war, 

Zu  einem  auf  der  Strasse  : 
"  Wir  brachten  ihm  sehr  vieles  dar, 

Hat  Schuld  in  gleichem  Masse.1' 

u  So" — dachte  ich  in  meinem  Traum. 

"  So  geht's  bei  solchen  Leuten  ; 
Sie  geben  zwar,  doch  geben  kaum, 

So  sucht  man  schon  die  beuten." 
Xun  sah  ich  um — erblueckte  da 

Ein  Wunder-strom  entquellen, 
Und,  in  demselben,  grosse  Schaar 

Der  Fische  schoen — Forellen  ! 

11  Nun  fang  ich  die,"  so  dachte  ich, 

"  Und  habe  Freud  die  Fuelle  5" 
Dann,  eilends  Wueriner  suchte  ich 

Am  Strom  in  aller  stille  ; 
Und  als  ich  war  voll  Koth  and  dreck, 

Wie  man  die  Fischer  findet, 
So  geht  mir  auch  mein  Schlaf  hinweg, 

Mein  schoener  Traum  verschwindet ! 

Nun  sah  ich  in  dem  Traum  ein  Bild 

Der  Menschen  Gunst  und  Liebe  : 
Die  Leute  geben  frei  und  mild 

Aus  scheinbar  reinem  Triebe  : 
Doch  ist's,  wenn  man  dahinter  koemmt. 

Xur  Tand  und  eitle  Sache, 
Die  sprache,  die  vom  Munde  stroemt. 

Its  voll  von  Trug  und  Rache  ! 


INSCRIPTION.  KIT 

Fnd  sucht  man,  wie  im  schoenen  Strom, 

Die  Freude  in  der  Stille, 
Und  denkt,  da  gibt  es  doch  gewiss 

Kin  Glueck  nach  Wunsch  und  Wille, 
So  findet  man  das  Fluesse  schoen 

Das  Glueck  zwar  in  uns  wecken, 
Doch,  eh'  wir  es  errungen  seh'n, 

Bleibt  man  im  Kothe  stecken  ! 

0,  gluecklich  sind — die  nur  allein 

Auf  Gott,  nicht  Menschen,  trauen, 
Die,  in  des  Lebens  Freud  und  Pein, 

Auf  Gottes  Grade  bauen — 
Hier  findet  keine  Taeuschung  statt, 

Bewaehrt  ist  Glueck  und  Wonne, 
Hier  bleibt  was  man  gehoffet  hat, 

Gott  selbst  ist  "  Schild  und  Sonne." 


THE  HOME  ABOVE. 

There  is  for  weary  souls  a  Home, 
A  rest  from  all  their  toils  and  cares  : 

A  House  whence  saints  no  more  shall  roam, 
A  place  wherein  each  pilgrim  shares  : 

To  this  dear  "  home" — this  rest  above — 

Are  gathered  all  the  sons  of  love  ! 


INSCRIPTION. 

FIRST     FORM. 


Little  Pilgrim,  thou  art  sleeping 
Softly  sleeping  in  the  ground  ; 

Angels  o?er  thee  vigils  keeping, 
Vigils  keeping  all  around — 


168  OX    LOSING    A    CHECK    SENT    BY    MAIL. 

Gently,  sweetly,  thus  reposing, 
All  thy  weary  wandVmgs  o'er, 

Hail  we  thee — "  Asleep  in  Jesus" — 
Happy,  happy — evermore  ! 

SECOND    FORM. 

Little  Pilgrim,  thou  art  sleeping, 

Softly  sleeping  'neath  the  sod  ; 
Angels  o'er  thee  vigils  keeping, 

Vigils  keeping  near  thy  God — 
Safely,  sweetly  now  reposing, 

All  thy  weary  wand'rings  o'er, 
Hail  we  thee — "  Asleep  in  Jesus" — 

Hail  thee  happy  evermore  ! 


ON  LOSING  A  CHECK  SENT  BY  MAIL. 

TO  REV.  M.  A.  S. 

Dear  Sir — I  share  your  present  grief, 
And  fain  would  send  you  kind  relief, 
With  many  a  heart-felt  wish,  that  you 
May,  undisturbed,  your  course  pursue. 

Enclosed,  please  find  another  "  scrip," 
May  it  not,  likewise,  give  the  slip  ; 
But  serve  to  pay  the  honest  "  tax," 
Et  tibi,  nunc,  sit  magna  pax  ! 

Ich  schreib  in  Englisch  und  Latein, 
Deweil  du  bist  ein  M  scholar"  fein, 
Und  kannst  gewiss  auch  schaetzen  das 
Was  ich  dir  schreib  in  lauter  Spass. 

Here  goes  my  letter  with  its  scrip, 
For  which  I  crave  a  pleasant  trip  •, 


ALIENATION    OF    MY    SIGNATURE,  169 

Do  thou,  Dear  Sir,  the  message  hail, 
And  pay  the  u  custom"  without  fail  ! 


LINES  FOR  AX  AUTOGRAPH  ALBUM. 

These  "  Autographs"  be  pure  and  bright, 
And  free  from  what  is  low  and  vile  ; 

Be  sure  that  what  you  here  do  write 
May  not  the  spotless  page  defile  ! 

Here  Friends  should  gather  flow'rets  sweet, 
To  shed  their  fragrance  o'er  the  page, 

And  each  contribute,  what  is  meet, 
To  foster  love  from  age  to  age  ! 

Then  write  with  prudence  and  with  taste, 
Lest  Virtue  weep  and  Scorners  laugh  ; 

May,  always,  what  is  pure  and  chaste 
Distinctly  mark  each  Autograph  ! 


ALIENATION  OF  MY  SIGNATURE 

Do,  Sir,  Editor,  please  take  note, 
That  one,  from  baseness  tho'  remote, 
Employs  of  late  a  subscript  name 
Which  I  by  right  of  usage  claim. 
The  guardian  of  my  rights  are  vor, 
Then  to  your  trust  be  firm  and  true ; 
Rebuke  the  act,  in  language  strong, 
And  save  me,  thus,  from  further  wrong. 
The  guilty  one,  please,  gently  tap, 
Or  sternly  o'er  the  knuckles  rap; 


170  THE    KATYDID. 

Thus  may  you  what  is  past  amend, 
And  to  my  faith  yourself  commend. 
The  subject,  now,  I  leave  with  you, 
Assured  you  will  be  firm  and  true, 
And  do  me  justice  in  the  case, 
Despite  the  noble  or  the  base ! 

TO  THE    OFFENDER. 

And,  now,  I  turn  to  you, 

Sir  master  of  the  quill ; 
I  claim  my  honest  due, 

Respect  my  wish  and  will. 
There's  sure  no  letter  dearth, 

In  choice  you've  ample  room  : 
Why  then,  in  name  of  earth, 

Purloin  my  u  Xom  de  Plume." 
Of  twenty  points  and  six 

Select  your  needed  three, 
But  leave  me  still  affix 

My  own  dear  "  X— Y— Z." 


THE  KATYDID. 


'Tis  often  harder  than  you  think 
To  locate  Nature's  ev'ry  link — 
E'en  this  wee  thing  of  rustic  suit 
Has  gendered  many  a  fierce  dispute  ; 
For,  while  some  few,  self-rated  high, 
Repute  the  insect  flat  as  pie, 
Some  others,  with  far  keener  wit, 
"  Concavum"  call  my — Katydid  ! 

This  settled,  we  may  now  unite 
To  magnify  this  little  sprite, 
It  seldom  sings  in  June  or  May, 
And  night  prefers  to  sunny  day : 


THE    KATYDID.  171 

The  male  alone  in  song  excells, 
Xor  he  nor  she  the  reason  tells, 
And  ask  you,  who  the  secret  hid, 
Sweet  Echo  answers — Katydid! 

Thus  things  are  oft  eccentric  found, 
And  Nature's  law  is  shifted  round, 
For,  here,  unlike  in  grades  above, 
The  Beau  sings  to  his  Lady-love  ; 
And  tho'  he  sings  this  plaintive  air 
*'  Who  loved  me  ?  7  to  his  maiden  fair, 
She — roguishly  in  ambush  hid — 
Respondeth  not  Miss — Katydid  ! 

Ye  little  creatures  serve  to  show 
The  habits  current  here  below, 
And  foibles,  even,  strange  and  new. 
In  higher  natures  brought  to  view ; 
So — of  mankind  the  coy  and  fair 
With  this  sly  imp  may  we  compare  : 
For,  oft  some  blushing  maid  hath  hid, 
This  likewise  did,  my — Katydid  ! 

When  Summer,  with  its  swelt'ring  heat, 
Gives  way  to  Autumn,  sober,  sweet, 
And  days  grow  short,  and  ev'nings  long, 
Then  hear  we  oft  their  plaintive  Song, 
As  sings  the  disappointed  maid 
When  by  her  faithless  beau  betrayed  ; 
But  what  the  maids  in  beaus  have  chid. 
That  same  did  she,  my — Katydid  ! 

And,  now,  what  tribute  shall  we  bring. 
To  this  dear,  pretty,  little  thing  ? 
So  quaint  and  odd  in  every  way. 
It  sings  at  night,  and  rests  by  day  j 


172  PEARL    OF    THE    PARK. 

So  modest,  in  its  suit  of  green, 
Thro'  all  the  week  the  thing  is  seen  ; 
'Twere  well  if  all  of  pride  were  rid, 
And  dressed  and  lived  as — Katydid  ! 


"  PEARL  OF  THE  PARK.*' 

There  is  a  Place,  enshrined  in  living  green. 

And  fairer  aught  the  eye  hath  seldom  seen, 

A  charming  spot — it  matters  not  just  where 

The  fairy  scene  is  found  ;  but,  surely  there 

The  heart,  elate,  with  forms  of  beauty  charmed, 

In  pleasures  rev'ling,  yet  is  left  unharmed. 

The  stately  pine,  in  fadeless  verdure  drest, 

Uplifting,  waves  aloft  its  beauteous  crest ; 

Beneath  its  spreading  limbs  and  cooling  shade 

The  laurel  thrives,  in  emerald  suit  arrayed, 

With  blooming  chaplet  crowned  of  richest  hue, 

And  fraught  with  pleasures  rare  for  me  and  you. 

'Mid  tangled  vines,  and  creepers  wild  and  bare, 

Luxuriant,  green,  and  decked  with  flow'rets  fair, 

The  fragrant  spice-wood  grows,  of  eld  renowned, 

In  regal  style  with  scarlet  berries  crowned  • 

And  'neath  the  whole,  and  'mid  the  mantling  green, 

The  laughing  brooks  and  sparkling  rills  are  seen  ; 

And,  nimbly  dancing  thro'  the  wilds  profound, 

Display  their  sweetest  charms — shed  music  round. 

Low,  on  the  humid  earth  a  humbler  train 

Of  gorgeous  mosses  and  of  lichens  plain; 

The  sweet  arbutus,  trailing  on  the  ground, 

And  winter-green,  so  fragrant,  there  are  found ; 

In  thickets  dank,  the  curious  eye  discerns 

A  train  of  modest,  yet  majestic  ferns. 

And  there  in  festoons  swung  on  tow'ring  trees, 


PEARL    OF    THE    PARK.  IT!1. 

The  grape  vines,  clustering  round,  one  often  sees; 

There,  too,  the  hazel,  with  its  tasseled  host, 
Grows  lank  and  tall,  the  marsh's  pride  and  boast  : 
The  fragrant  birch,  its  bark  with  sweetness  rife. 
Oft  tempts  a  peeling  from  the  youngster's  knife, 
Who,  whittling,  doth  God's  fairest  works  deface, 
And,  thus,  in  Bhame  involves  our  boasting  rai 
Amid  the  dazzling  scenes  of  trees  and  vines, 
An  emerald  hedge  a  fountain  pure  enshrii 
The  grateful  shade,  within  that  cool  retreat. 
The  trav'ler  tempts  to  rest  his  weary  feet; 
And.  gazing  on  the  limpid  streamlets  there. 
With  eyes  still  doting  on  each  scene  so  fair, 
Athirst.  well-pleased  he  dips  the  waters  up, 
And  to  his  lips  conveys  the  sparkling  cup. 
All  o'er  the  woods,  and  in  the  forest  round. 
The  wild  birds  sing,  and  noblest  game  is  found. 
On  loftiest  pines  the  wary  gobbler  sleeps, 
()r,  waking,  o'er  his  charge  strict  vigil  keeps  : 
The  timid  partridge,  erstwhile  pheasant  named, 
Flies  whirring  past,  and  foils  the  gunner  lamed  ; 
The  speckled  trout— so  exquisitely  fair — 
Sports  in  the  purling  brook,  with  antics  rare. 
Or,  in  some  sheltered  nook,  doth  coyly  lie 
Th"  unwary  bug  to  snatch,  or  moth,  or  fly  : 
Rare  birds — of  plumage  fair,  and  golden  wing. 
Their  sweet  and  charming  songs  incessant  sing. 
Tis.  there,  unharmed  in  that  sequestered  spot, 
That  weeping  ones  have  oft  their  woes  forgot  : 
'Tis.  there,  remote  from  earth's  incessant  toil, 
The  wounded  spirit  finds  a  soothing  oil — 
'Mid  scenes  so  fair,  they  roan  \d  calm. 

And  find  in  Nature's  Stores  the  healing  balm  ! 

Bow  often,  too,  have  I  strayed,  musing,  there. 
Ami  solace  found  when  vexed  with  tort'ring  care. 


174  PEARL    OF    THE    PARK. 

Sweet,  sacred  spot,  entranced  I  think  of  thee, 
And,  ruminant  in  thought,  thy  beauties  see  ! 
There,  too,  the  young,  with  spirits  light  and  gay, 
In  pleasant  converse  oft  have  spent  the  day  : 
Around  the  trees,  and  'neath  their  foliage  green, 
In  playful  groups  arranged,  they  oft  are  seen  j 
And  motly  crowds,  from  scattered  hamlets  round, 
In  rural  sports  engaged — are  likewise  found. 
Both  old  and  young  in  friendly  concourse  met, 
Are  happier  made,  and  all  their  cares  forget  ! 
But,  chiefly,  gathered  round  the  crystal  spring, 
In  cheerful  mood,  they  frisk,  and  play,  and  sing  ; 
Their  clarion  voices  ring  the  trees  among, 
And  rocks  and  hills  reverberate  the  song. 
Then,  weary  and  athirst,  they  haste  to  greet 
The  sparkling  fount,  and  quaff  its  waters  sweet; 
The  cooling  draft  revives  their  spirits  faint, 
Imparts  new  life,  and  hinders  all  complaint. 
Sweet  sparkling  fount !  how  rich  thy  dolings  are, 
Of  sylvan  gifts  the  best — the  richest  far  ! 
For  all  things,  that,  while  wand'ring  here  below, 
Men,  in  their  wildest  dreams,  or  think  or  know, 
Are  little  prized,  and  of  but  small  account, 
When,  thirsty,  they  espy  the  sparkling  fount ; 
The  echoing  woods  with  shouts  of  triumph  ring, 
And,  hast'ning,  each  one  greets  the  crystal  spring  ! 
What  pleasant  things  are  said  of  thee,  sweet  spot, 
May,  in  the  world's  confusion,  be  forgot, 
But  mem'ry  still  the  impress  deep  enshrines. 
And,  as  its  rarest  treasure,  there  confines. 
What  generous  heart  can  e'er  forget  the  spell 
That  binds  the  spirit  to  that  forest  dell? 
The  purling  brooks  and  "  thousand"  springlets  clear, 
And  shaded  groves  and  lone  retreats,  so  dear — 
The  floral  wreaths  and  crowns  of  living  green, 


THE    VTHIP-POOR-WILL.  175 

And  nameless  beauties,  all,  which  there  are  seen  ; 
These  am.,  and  each  in  its  peculiar  sphere, 
Entrance  the  soul,  and  make  the  spot  more  dear  : 
And,  so,  these  charming  sights  and  beauties  rare. 
In  brilliant  plots  arranged,  all  bright  and  fair, 
Invest  the  place  with  special  sense,  I  ween, 
And  fix  in  changeless  souls  this  forest  scene  ! 


THE  WHIP-POOR-WILL. 

Sweet  bird  of  Song,  or  scold,  or  both, 
Which  to  decide  I'm  somewhat  loath  ; 
For,  tho'  thy  presence  welcome  be, 
And  thy  sweet  song  is  full  of  glee. 
Yet,  something  in  that  song,  my  lord, 
Doth  not  with  mercy  well  accord  : 
For.  sing  you  on  the  plain  or  hill, 
You  cease  not  calling— "Whip-poor-will." 

Sweet  bird  of  Song !  In  early  Spring, 

We  hear  thy  voice  around  us  ring, 

And  here  and  there  on  stump  or  stone, 

Thou  sweetly  singest  all  alone  ; 

And,  hence,  thy  song  I  much  admire, 

So  full  of  vim — so  full  of  fire  ; 

To  one  thing  though  object  I  will, 

Thy  loveless  shouting— "Whip-poor-will." 

Sweet  bird  of  Song  !   Not  sweet  alone, 
But  useful  thee  we,  likewise,  own, 
On  insect  hosts,  all  sleek  and  fine, 
Dost  thou  at  night  both  sup  and  dine  : 
For  all,  who  know  thee,  well  do  ken, 
That,  in  despite  of  beasts  or  men. 
Thou  dost  by  night  secure  thy  fill. 
While  sweetlj  singing — "Whip-poor-will.'' 


176  THE    WHIP-POOR-WILL. 

Sweet  bird  of  Song  !  I  hear  them  ring — 
Thy  sweet  and  mellow  notes  of  spring, 
And  who  that  kens  thy  sylvan  muse, 
Would  thee  a  tribute  glad  refuse  ; 
For  what  could  fill  our  hearts  with  cheer, 
If  'twere  not  for  thy  voice  so  clear  ? 
Thy  song— ^despite  the  painful  thrill, 
Is  sweet,  tho'  saying — "Whip-poor-will." 

Sweet  bird  of  Song  !   In  fall  or  spring, 
I  love  to  hear  thee  near  me  sing, 
Nor  can  I  e'er  forget  thy  strain, 
Loud-echoing,  still,  o'er  hill  aud  plain  ; 
Hence,  glad,  will  I  my  tribute  pay 
To  him  that  sleeps  the  live  long  day, 
And  sings  at  night,  so  calm  and  still, 
His  own  clear-ringing — "Whip-poor-will." 

Sweet  bird  of  Song  !   I'm  much  in  doubt, 
And  greatly  wish  you'd  help  me  out — 
I've  called  thee  "lord,''  but  am  afraid 
You  are  some  disappointed  maid  ; 
Else,  why  alone  poor  "Will,"  thus,  hate  ? 
Nor  Sue,  nor  Mag,  nor  Lib,  nor  Kate  ? 
Nor  thine  invectives  e'er  abate  ? 
For  sing  you,  bird,  on  plain  or  hill, 
'Tis  still,  and  only — "Whip-poor-will." 

Sweet  bird  of  Song  !  who  art  thou,  then, 

That  we  thy  story  well  may  ken  ! 

For  not  a  "lord,"  but  maiden  fair 

May  sing  this  song  of  deep  despair  ; 

Me  pardon,  for  I  much  suspect 

'Tis  vengeance  for  some  sore  neglect ; 

For  sing  you,  bird,  or  loud  or  still, 

'Tis  thus,  and  always— "Whip-poor-will," 


TO  MY  NIECE. 

I've  read  the  Letter  which  yon  sent 
To  L.  R.  H.     'Twas  to  me  lent  ; 
Quite  glad  was  I  to  hear  of  you, 
Of  all  you  did,  or  meant  to  do  ; 
vTis  pleasant,  thus,  to  read  one's  mind, 
And  learn  if  she  be  cross  or  kind ; 
For,  secrets  got  with  little  cost, 
Are  longest  kept,  and  rarely  lost  ! 
I  cannot  tell  you  all  I've  read, 
Too  many  things  distract  my  head  ; 
But  one  thing  I  will  here  repeat, 
Which  was  to  me  a  pleasant  treat. 
A  flatt'ring  word  of  praise,  I  ween. 
In  your  Epistle  I  have  seen — 
Your  ref'rence  to  my  rhyming  art 
Responsive  touched  my  mind  and  heart ; 
And,  then,  the  wish  that  I  might  woo 
The  Maid  poetic,  pleased  me  too  : 
For,  wooing,  as  you  well  do  know. 
Is  current  with  the  high  and  low ; 
And  well  becomes  the  good  and  true, 
If  they  but  nobler  ends  pursue. 
Now,  viewing  things  in  such  a  light, 
With  matters  all  so  fair  and  bright, 
I  cannot  well  your  wish  refuse, 
To  court,  at  times,  the  Sacred  Muse  *, 
The  end  proposed  is  lofty,  sure, 
And,  deeming  it  both  ur«>od  and  pure, 


178  THE  GOLDEX    WEDDING. 

I'll  visit  oft  her  charming  fane, 

To  please  my  Niece — Miss  Mary  Jane ! 


THE  GOLDEN  WEDDING. 

FEB.  10,  1879. 

Our  Hearts  conjoined — together  grown, 
As  sketched,  and  by  this  emblem*  shown, 
Glad,  sing  we  still  Life's  path  along, 
In  sweet  content  our  pilgrim  song  ! 

We  bless  Thee,  Lord,  for  life  and  health, 
We  bless  Thee  for  our  friends  and  wealth, 
We  bless  Thee  for  each  gift  of  Thine, 
We  bless  Thee  for  Thy  grace  divine  ! 

With  wondrous  love,  and  matchless  skill. 
Thou  dost  Thy  gracious  word  fulfill  ; 
From  day  to  day — from  year  to  year, 
Thou  dost  our  drooping  spirits  cheer! 

Through  dangers  oft  our  journey  lay, 
Thro'  these  Thy  hand  hath  led  the  way  ; 
Thro'  shifting  scenes  of  storm  and  calm, 
Thro'  sweetly  scented  groves  of  balm! 

0  wondrous  grace  !   0  bliss  divine  ! 
To  know  that  all  our  cares  are  Thine  ; 
Thy  light,  at  midnight,  gleams  on  high, 
In  gloomiest  days,  Thy  help  is  nigh  ! 

THE   FESTIVE   ODE. 

Sweet  songs  of  joy,  sweet  songs  of  praise, 
With  cheerful  heart  and  voice  we'll  raise 
To  Him— the  High,  the  Pure,  the  Good, 
Who  giveth  life,  and  health,  and  food ! 
*Two  hearts  in  one. 


THK    OLIYE    TREE.  1 79 

To  Thee,  the  blessed  God,  we  bring 
Our  grateful  ofFrings  while  we  sing, 
Our  hearts  attuned  to  scenes  above, 
Our  tongues  intoning  notes  of  love  ! 

With  firmness,  Lord,  our  souls  inspire, 
And  touch  our  lips  with  sacred  fire  ; 
Our  sweetest  notes  to  Thee  we'll  raise, 
To  Thee  intone  our  loftiest  praise  ! 

Our  pilgrimage,  so  bright  and  fair, 
Doth  witness  to  Thy  mercy  bear ; 
And,  when  distressed  with  doubt  and  fear, 
Thy  hand  removes  the  falling  tear ! 

We  bless,  0  Lord,  Thy  hand  benign, 
And  to  Thy  grace  ourselves  resign  ; 
What  suited  off'ring  shall  we  bring  ? 
What  worthy  Anthem  shall  we  sing  ? 

We'll  praise  Thee,  Lord,  in  grateful  song, 
We'll  praise  Thee,  Lord,  with  heart  and  tongue  ; 
We'll  praise  Thee  for  each  favor  showed, 
We'll  praise  Thee  for  each  gift  bestowed  ! 

Sweet  anthems,  then,  sweet  songs  of  praise. 
With  cheerful  voices,  we  will  raise 
To  Thee,  the  weary  pilgrims  stay, 
Oh  this  our  Golden-wedding  day  ! 


THE  OLIVE  TREE. 

Sweet  Olive  tree — of  stature  small, 

With  knarled  trunk  and  modest  mien, 

And,  yet,  so  rich  in  gifts  for  all — 
The  pride  and  boast  of  Palestine. 


180  THE    OLIVE    TREE. 

On  ev'ry  hill  and  mountain  side 

The  precious  trees  in  mass  are  found, 

And,  there,  in  freshness  they  abide 

While  seasons,  each,  come  circling  round. 

Sweet  evergreen,  of  changeless  leaf, 

Of  verdure  fresh  thro'  all  the  year, 
The  emblem  of  that  glorious  Chief, 

The  Lord  of  life,  to  mortals  dear. 
How  blithely  to  my  heart  and  mind 

It  speaks  of  Him  who  came  to  save, 
The  Lord  and  Head  of  human-kind. 

Who  wreathed  the  cross — illumed  the  grave  ! 

Far  in  the  dim  and  hoary  past, 
When  o'er  the  angry  waters  rode 

The  Ark  all  safe — tho'  rough  and  fast, 
Till  on  the  mountain  it  abode  ; 

The  Dove  sent  o'er  the  wat'ry  waste, 
A  verdant  branch  of  olive  found, 

And  winging  back  in  eager  haste, 


What  beauty  in  that  picture  glows 

Which  Judah's  bard  in  fancy  drew, 
When  round  the  board,  in  festive  rows, 

u  Like  olive  plants,"  sweet  children  grew; 
When  pure  content  was  smiling  seen, 

The  image  of  a  favored  home, 
And  he  himself,  all  fresh  and  green, 

Dwelled,  grateful,  'neath  the  sacred  dome  ! 

So — in  the  Prophet's  vision  bright, 
How  grandly  stand  the  Olives  "two," 

And,  still,  to  feed  the  sacred  light, 
Flows  golden  oil  the  branches  thro'  : 


THE    CHRISTIAN    SOME,  181 

The  sacred  flame  is  kept  aglow 

By  reason  of  the  trees  so  nigh, 
For  rich  supplies  do  ceaseless  flow 

From  golden  vases  fixed  on  high  ! 

Sweet  trees  of  yore,  still  growing  sound 

Near  Salem's  walls  of  ancient  fame  ! 
Tis  there,  that,  bathed  in  blood,  was  found 

My  Saviour  of  the  mystic  name; 
"  Anointed" — whence  all  efforts  made 

Have  failed  my  Olive  to  destroy  ! 
Blest  Tree  of  Life  ! — still  rich  in  shade, 

In  fruit  and  oil — the  source  of  joy  ! 

For  all  the  good  that  trees  impart, 

For  all  the  evils  they  prevent. 
Thou,  most,  dost  merit  my  poor  heart, 

Great  Olive  mine,  in  mercy  sent ; 
In  field,  and  dome,  and  temple  grand, 

Thy  golden  oil  doth  light  afford, 
And  rich  and  poor  thro'  all  the  land. 

For  Thy  kind  dolings  bless  Thee,  Lord  ! 


THE  CHRISTIAN  HOME. 

The  purest  joy  that  earth  can  give, 

Is  found  in  kindly  deeds  of  love, 
'Tis,  thus,  the  blessed  Angels  live, 

And  Saints  in  radiant  spheres  above  ; 
But,  why,  should  not  the  Sons  of  Earth, 

Still  struggling  in  their  course  below, 
Ennobled  by  their  heavenly  birth , 

In  rapture  this  sweet  pleasure  know  ? 


182  THE    CHRISTIAN    BOMB. 

How  fair  and  charming  is  the  sight 

Of  children  round  the  social  hearth, 
Each  serving  each  with  sweet  delight, 

In  token  of  their  common  birth  j 
Their  hearts  are  to  each  other  true, 

And  constant  in  their  flow  of  peace, 
Their  joys  come  with  the  early  dew, 

Xor  with  the  ev'ning  twilight  cease  ! 

0,  blessed  scene  of  Christian  love, 

Exempt  from  anger,  hate,  and  strife, 
A  scene  like  those  in  worlds  above, 

Where,  freely,  reigns  immortal  life  ; 
There  clouds  ne'er  sweep  athwart  the  sky, 

Xor  storms  disturb  the  sweet  repose, 
There  ev'ry  wished-for  good  is  nigh, 

There  springs  of  bounty  ne'er  do  close  ! 

Sweet,  sacred  spot !  Pure,  blessed  scene  ! 

For  thee  my  heart  doth  greatly  long ; 
'Tis  highest  heav?n  to  me,  I  ween, 

A  balm  for  every  tort'ring  wrong  ; 
Sweet,  sacred  spot !  I,  longing,  pant 

In  thy  blest  scenes  to  share  a  part ; 
To  me,  dear  Lord,  this  blessing  grant, 

And  I,  to  Thee,  will  yield  my  heart ! 

When,  thus,  our  time  on  earth  is  spent 

In  blissful  concord  with  our  friends  ; 
When  life,  passed  thro'  in  sweet  content, 

At  length  in  radiant  glory  ends  ; 
How  blest  the  thought,  that  then  we  may 

In  peace  depart  this  life  of  care, 
And  find  a  mansion  far  away — 

A  home  divinely  bright  and  fair  ! 


OUR  LITTLE  WINGED  PETS. 

Little  birds,  so  blithe  and  gay, 
Cheerily  ye  frisk  and  play — 
Round  the  cage  so  nimbly  hop, 
From  the  bottom  up  to  top  ; 
Then  adown,  again,  to  feed, 
Cutely  hulling  all  the  seed  ; 
'Cross  the  cage  ye  fly  or  skip, 
Then  the  sparkling  water  sip  ; 
Thus  it  fareth  all  the  day — 
Eat  and  drink,  and  skip  and  play ! 
Little  beauties,  bright  are  ye, 
Full  of  fun  and  full  of  glee, 
Spreading,  now,  the  tinv  wing, 
Then  a  song  of  love  you  sing. 
And,  while  singing,  seem  to  say 
Ain't  we  pretty,  blithe,  and  gay  ? 
With  your  modest  yellow  suit, 
With  your  little  eyes  so  cute, 
With  your  slender  legs  and  feet, 
With  your  voices  soft  and  sweet, 
Who  doth  not  your  suit  admire, 
Who  doth  of  your  warblings  tire? 
Oft,  when  musing,  I  surmise 
Reason  sparkling  in  your  eyes, 
Gifted,  thus,  conclude  I  hence. 
With  a  higher  orrade  of  sense. 


184  OUR    LITTLE    WINGED    PETS. 

In  your  ev'ry  turn,  I  ween, 
Wisdom  is  in  action  seen  j 
In  your  pranks  and  ready  wits, 
Equal  quite  to  Signor  Blitz  ! 

Little  warblers,  lively,  gay, 
Ye  are  happy  all  the  day; 
Might  we  but  this  lesson  learn, 
Wisdom  in  your  life  discern  ! 
Strangely  slow  to  comprehend, 
Miss  we,  thus,  th'  exalted  end  ; 
.   Why  should  ye  of  golden  wing, 
Skip  and  play,  and  cheerful  sing, 
Whereas  we  of  nobler  mould, 
Often  fret,  or  pout,  or  scold  ? 
'Tis  a  poor,  unhappy  choice. 
That,  with  far  superior  voice, 
We  do  not  as  cheerful  sing. 
As  ye  birds  of  golden  wing  I 

Gentle  songsters,  well-inclined, 
To  your  wiry  cage  confined  ! 
Yielding,  thus,  to  cruel  fate, 
Stinted  in  your  small  estate  ; 
Oft  I  sit,  and,  musing,  think 
Ye,  too,  form  a  needful  link 
In  that  chain  of  being  high, 
Reaching  upward  to  the  sky  : 
And,  who  knows,  what  honors  more 
May  for  you  be  kept  in  store  ! 
In  the  future  there  doth  lie 
Many  an  unsolved  mystery  ; 
We  but  see  the  outward  ring — 
Pierce  not  to  the  secret  spring ; 
Source  of  action,  this,  I  ween, 
Yet  by  mortals  never  seen  ! 


MOTHER,  SOME,    \M»    SI  win  185 

Sing,  then,  little  warblers,  sing, 
Let  your  voices  sweetly  ring, 
He,  who  gave  you  being,  will 
All  His  counsel  yet  fulfill ; 
By  succession,  not  in  grade, 
Ye  may  be  immortal  made  ! 
Sing  ye  here  so  sweetly,  grand, 
We  sing  in  that  better  land  ; 
Thus,  our  work  doth  well  accord, 
High  exalting  Christ — the  Lord  ; 
And  each  note,  from  lip  or  bill, 
Sounding  through  the  ages  still, 
There,  accordant,  shall  combine 
In  a  song  of  praise  divine  ! 


"MOTHER,  HOME,  AND  HEAVEN.' 

There's  magic  in  that  name,  so  sweet, 

By  children  used  with  sacred  awe  ; 
The  charming  sound  our  lips  repeat 

By  virtue  of  an  innate  law  ; 
With  hearts  aglow,  and  tender  love, 

We  cherish,  here,  a  Mother's  name  ; 
And,  yonder,  in  that  world  above, 

Still  hope  we  to  revere  the  same  ! 

And  that  dear  spot,  where  she  abides, 

We  dignify  with  name  of  Home, 
And  deem  no  other  place  besides, 

So  dear  to  pilgrims  doomed  to  roam  ; 
For,  there,  the  weary  heart  reclines 

On  her  warm  bosom  filled  with  Iotc, 
And  softly,  there,  in  beauty  shines 

The  light  of  brighter  worlds  abov.-  | 


186  THE  REAPERS. 

That  mellowed  light,  that  tints  the  sky, 

Betokens  still  another  Home, 
Which  gently  lures  the  soul  on  high, 

And  bids  the  pilgrim  cease  to  roam  ; 
For,  there,  our  final  rest  is  found, 

And  weary  saints  sit  calmly  down ; 
While,  sharing  in  the  glory  round, 

Each  one  receives  a  fadeless  crown  . 


DEDICATION  FOR  AN  AUTOGRAPH  ALBUM. 

This  Album  is  a  garden,  bright  and  fair, 

Where  beauties  of  the  mind  and  heart  may  grow ; 
A  cabinet  of  treasures — rich  and  rare — 

Mementoes,  fragrant,  and  with  life  aglow. 
As  blithely  from  the  smooth  and  placid  lake, 

The  radiant  sky  and  clouds  are  mirrored  back 
With  lineaments,  exact  in  form  and  make, 

Nor  e'en  the  softest  tints  and  features  lack  ; 
So  let  your  sentiments  be  chaste  and  pure, 

Like  sparkling  gems,  and  native  gold  refined. 
Nor  in  this  Album  write  save  thoughts  mature, 

Sweet  echoes  of  a  chastened  heart  and  mind  ! 


THE  REAPERS. 


Behold,  the  Farmer's  fair  domain, 
Out-stretching  to  the  distant  hills, 

Where  he,  for  pleasure,  greed,  or  gain, 
With  care  the  soil  productive  tills. 

The  seed  corns,  with  a  gen'rous  hand, 
Now  scattered  o'er  the  mellowed  soil, 


THE    REAPERS.  187 

With  verdure  clothe  the  favored  land, 
Responsive  to  the  farmer's  toil. 

And,  stretching  o'er  the  cultured  fields, 
Now  gently  waves  the  golden  grain  ; 

And,  rip'ning,  it  profusely  yields, 
Prospective,  rich  returns  of  gain  ! 

The  em'rald  acres,  changed  to  gold, 

Invite  the  reapers  to  their  task, 
And  they,  responding,  fresh  and  bold, 

Their  garments  doff — nor  question  ask. 

Then,  hastening  to  the  golden  fields, 
With  sickle,  scythe,  and  firm  resolve, 

The  tott'ring  grain,  responsive,  yields 
As,  now,  the  serrate  wheels  revolve  ! 

And,  gath'ring  up  the  prostrate  grain, 
Their  lab'ring  teams,  o'er-laden,  quake, 

While  gleaners,  in  a  num'rous  train. 
With  dear  esteem  the  leavings  take  I 

Away  they  store  these  gifts  in  haste, 

The  gen'rous  dole  the  garner  fills  ; 
Elate,  the  gifts  of  God  they  taste, 

And  joy  the  heaving  bosom  thrills  ! 

Thus,  in  the  heav'nly  kingdom,  too, 

The  seeds  of  truth  are  broad-cast  sown  ; 

And,  fiilled  with  virtues  strange  and  new, 
They  yield  a  harvest  all  their  own  ! 

The  words  of  life,  cast  in  the  ground, 

Spring  up  in  ways  to  us  unknown, 
For  here  the  soil  is  fruitful  found, 

As  in  the  case  of  Nature  shown. 


188  THE  SOWER  AND  THE  SEED. 

The  slumb'ring  forces  hasten  on, 
The  modest  blade  doth  first  appear. 

Then  shoots  the  stalk,  erect,  alone, 
And  lastly  comes  the  full-grown  ear  ! 

And,  now,  the  Angel-reapers,  bright, 
Thrust  in  the  sickle,  sharp  and  stroug  ; 

And,  gathering  in  the  sons  of  light, 

They  save  them  from  the  wicked  throng. 

A  magic  field  of  truth  and  life — 
A  wondrous  harvest-day  is  this, 

Absolvi  ng  from  earth's  war  and  strife. 
And  bearing  us  to  endless  bliss ! 

There,  in  the  heav'nly  garner  stored, 
What  songs  of  triumph  shall  we  sing? 

And  to  our  Lord — the  loved,  adored — 
What  grateful  tribute  shall  we  bring? 

We'll  bring  our  hearts  to  Him,  the  slain, 
Adored  by  brilliant  hosts  above  ! 

We'll  sing  our  songs,  in  grateful  strain, 
Responsive  to  his  boundless  love  ! 


THE  SOWER  AND  THE  SEED. 

Jesus — Sower  of  the  seed  — 

Source  of  ev'ry  gift  divine, 
Sow  in  us  Thy  word  indeed, 

And  in  mercy  on  it  shine, 
That  it  may  spring  up  apace, 

Firm  and  deeply  rooted  be  ; 
Nurtured  still  in  truth  and  grace, 

May  we  thus  be  found  in  Thee  ! 


THK    MOKKIKG    COMETH,  AND    ALSO    THI    NICHT.         189 

Jesus — Sower  of  the  seed — 

Source  of  all  that's  good  and  true, 
Qreatly  we  Thy  blessing  need 

While  our  calling  we  pursue  : 
Jesus,  we  Thy  promise  claim. 

Promise  made  in  times  of  yore, 
When  assembled  in  Thy  name, 

u  Lo.  I'm  with  you  evermore  !" 

Jesus — Sower  of  the  seed- 
Source  exclusive  of  success, 

Graciously  Thy  kingdom  speed, 
All  our  efforts  kindly  bless  ! 

Called  are  we  Thy  light  to  bear, 
Further  still.  Thy  truth  to  sound, 

Until  all  Thy  word  shall  hear, 
E'en  to  Earth's  remotest  bound  I 

Jesus — Sower  of  the  seed — 

Source  of  sweetest  bliss  to  me, 
When  distrest — in  greatest  need. 

All  my  joy  I  find  in  Thee  ; 
Jesus — be  my  refuge  here, 

Fold  me  in  Thine  arms  of  lo^ 
Be  my  shield  when  danger's  near, 

Be  my  crown  in  realms  above! 


THE  MORNING  COMETH.  AND  ALSO  THE  NIGHT. 
Ira.  21:  12. 

The  promised  day  is  dawning 

In  glorv  from  on  high — 
Yet,  ere  the  blessed  morning, 

Night  deepens  o'er  the  sky  ! 


190         THE    MORNING    COMETH,  AND   ALSO    THE    NIGHT. 

Upon  Earth's  erring  children 
The  curse  will  have  its  way  ; 

Nor,  till  its  strength  be  wasted, 
Will  beauty  crown  the  day  ! 

The  soft'ning  light  declineth, 
The  ev'ning  shades  are  nigh  •, 

The  sun  no  longer  shineth, 
The  stars  appear  on  high  ! 

My  weary  limbs  are  ailing, 
My  heart  is  sad  and  sore  ; 

For  all  things  now  are  failing, 
Save  He.  whom  I  adore  ! 

0,  blessed  truth  !  This  knowing, 
My  faith  is  firm  and  strong  ; 

And  peace,  still  onward  flowing, 
Cheers  me  Life's  path  along ! 

The  night  tho'  much  bewailing, 
The  dawning  doth  appear  ; 

The  darkness  now  is  paling, 
The  sky  will  soon  be  clear  ! 

0  blessed  Hope — how  cheering  ! 

All  sorrow  flies  away ; 
And  night,  now  disappearing. 

Will  change  to  endless  day  ! 

Sweet  morn  of  joyous  waking, 
From  ev'ry  burden  free  ; 

The  promised  day  is  breaking 
In  bliss,  0  Lord,  in  Thee  ! 

Then,  still  in  God  confiding, 
My  faith  be  firm  and  true  ; 


BBHOLPj   I    COME    QUK  KLV.  191 

Thy  promised  time  abiding, 
And  vict'ry  still  pursue  ! 

The  morning  surely  cometh, 

The  night  must  pass  away, 
And  he  that,  faithful,  runneth, 

Shall  gain  the  happy  day! 

().  day  of  Hope?s  fruition, 

Of  heav'nly  peace  and  joy, 
When  acts  of  grateful  worship 

Shall  heart  and  tongue  employ ! 

While  shadows  still  do  linger 

Around  me  in  the  way  ; 
Be  Thou,  0  blest  Redeemer, 

To  me  the  light  of  day  ! 

The  night,  tho'  dark  and  dreary, 

If  Thou  be  with  me  there, 
Mav  find  me  sad  and  weary, 

Yet  free  from  grim  despair ! 

Thou  art,  0  blessed  Jesus, 

The  light  of  life  to  me  ; 
And,  in  the  dark  uneasy, 

I  seek  my  rest  in  Thee ! 


"BEHOLD,  I  COME  QUICKLY." 

Behold,  I  come  quickly, 
Ye  boasters  and  proud  j 

The  heavens  in  darkness, 
The  earth  will  I  shroud. 


1 

192 

BEHOLD,   I    COME    QUICKLY. 

To  God  in  deep  anguish, 
In  fear  you  may  cry ; 

But  in  that  dread  moment, 
No  aid  shall  be  nigh  ! 

Behold,  I  come  quickly, 

In  judgment  arrayed; 
Nor  sentence  shall  linger, 

Nor  wrath  shall  be  stayed. 
The  proud  and  the  scoffing, 

Tho'  long  they  have  stood, 
Shall  witness  with  terror 

The  frowns  of  their  God  ! 

Behold,  I    come  quickly, 

i 

Full  long  have  I  borne 

Your  sins  and  your  follies,- 

Your  taunt  and  your  scorn  ! 

My  patience  is  wasted — 

The  mercy  it  sheds, 

Now  vengeance,  deserved, 

Descends  on  your  heads  ! 

Behold,  I  come  quickly, 

t 

Ye  sinners  shall  mourn, 

And  wish  you  had  perished 

When  erst  you  were  born. 

The  doom  of  the  wicked, 

What  tongue  can  express  ? 

Your  woe  and  your  torment, 

Your  pain  and  distress  ? 

Behold,  I  come  quickly, 

Ye  loved  ones  of  God  ; 

Your  tears  I  have  witnessed, 

Your  cries  have  I  heard. 

LINKS    n\     DEATH.  193 

Though  men  may  despise  you, 

Their  wrath  disregard  ; 
Your  end  shall  be  glorious, 

And  great  your  reward  ! 

Behold,  I  come  quickly, 

Ye  saints  shall  rejoice, 
And  praise  Me  your  Saviour 

With  heart  and  with  voice. 
Your  hopes  now  are  certain. 

You  cannot  mistake  ; 
The  souls  I  have  purchased, 

I  will  not  forsake  ! 

Behold,  I  come  quickly, 

The  time  is  at  hand  ; 
Your  patience  much  longer 

I  will  not  demand. 
In  life  ye  have  owned  me, 

Your  Master  and  Lord  ; 
In  death  my  sweet  presence 

Shall  be  your  reward  ! 

Behold,  I  come  quickly, 

0,  be  not  dismayed  ; 
The  day  of  salvation 

Shall  not  be  delayed  ! 
On  angels'  swift  pinions 

Your  souls  shall  be  born? 
To  heaven's  high  mansions. 

To  glory's  bright  throne  ! 


L1XKS  ON   DEATH. 

0,  Death — what  dismal  tho'ts  to  every  heart, 
What  gloomy  fear  it  brings,  and  what  dismay  1 


194  LINES    ON    DEATH. 

The  very  name,  so  dread,  disturbs  our  souls 
And  makes  us,  trembling,  wish  'twere  far  away. 
'Tis,  thus,  we  banish  every  thought  of  death 
To  set  our  hearts  at  ease  ;  yet  death  is  nigh, 
E'en  at  the  door,  and  seeks  admittance  there, 
With  high  commission  armed,  intent  to  bear  us 
All  away.     Its  mandates — ever  active — 
Alike  both  strong  and  feeble  must  obey  ; 
No  age  exempt,  nor  sex,  nor  any  state — 
Nor  from  its  ruthless  hand  can  wealth  protect; 
Nor  virtues  pure,  nor  aught  that  men  esteem, 
Cau  shield  us  from  the  inveterate  foe  ! 

When  morn's  sweet  light  doth  gently  on  us  dawn, 
Or  mid-day  sun  in  fullest  splendor  shines, 
Or  evening  breezes  softly  o'er  us  sweep, 
Or 'round  us  midnight  shades  in  silence  hang; 
When,  wrapt  in  thought,  we  gaze  on  Nature's  works, 
Or  sleep,  uncouscious  of  the  world  around, 
Whate'er  we  do,  or  in  whatever  state  we  be, 
There  death  stands  ready-harnessed  for  his  work, 
And,  both  by  day  and  midnight's  lonely  hours, 
Doth  boldly  seize  the  objects  of  pursuit! 

Thus,  what  the  dismal  night-shades  left  untouched, 
Unwarned  at  morning  falls  beneath  his  pow'r  ; 
In  broad  daylight  the  work  is  still  pursued, 
And  stout  hearts  break,  and  tears  incessant  flow, 
Till  ev'ning  hides  the  melancholy  scene, 
And  screens  from  mortal  sight  the  horrid  work. 
With  lion-strength  he  grasps  earth's  hapless  ones 
And  bears  them  from  the  field  without  delay. 
Unnumbered  myriads  each  day  are  borne 
From  life's  arena  ;  and  myriads  more, 
Unknown,  succeed  and  follow  in  their  wake  ! 


BEFLECTUNS    nN    THE    RESURRECTION.  195 

The  man  of  years — the  aged  and  in  ">m — 

Already  feels  death's  heavy  hand  imposed, 

And  soon  must  leave  his  kindred  here  below: 

The  man  of  middle  age  he  likewise  takes  away  ; 

Sweet  children  at  his  bidding  fall  ;  and  e'en 

The  tender  babe,  whose  infant  spirit  scarce 

Began  to  be,  is  crushed  beneath  his  sway. 

He  cares  for  none,  nor  spares — both  rich  and  poor. 

Both  high  and  low,  are  all  to  him  the  same  : 

He  favors  none,  but  treats  them  all  alike  ! 

Such  is  the  Tyrant's  power,  and  such  his  sway, 
That  none  may  hope  indulgence  or  escape  ; 
His  ceaseless  wrath — of  blood  insatiate — 
High  justice  owns — the  bitter  fruit  of  sin, 
And  Death  is  absolute  in  all  his  ways — 
Of  other  monarchs  none  so  much  to  dread  ; 
To  him  must  all  submit,  both  small  and  great, 
When  once  the  fatal  day — Death's  day — appears. 
That  solemn  day  is  near — on  every  hand 
We  see  such  signs  as  wise  men  ought  to  heed. 
Each  day  he  bears  some  loved  one  swift  away. 
And  God  thus  loudly  speaks  :  Come,  mortals,  seek 
In  peace  to  meet  the  stern  decree  of  death  ! 


REFLECTIONS  ON  THE  RESURRECTION. 

Though  death  despoil  this  mortal  frame, 
And  quench  awhile  the  vital  flame  ; 
I  know  from  death  this  frame  shall  rise, 
And  live  beyond  the  vaulted  skies  ! 

The  seed  that's  cast  into  the  ground. 
Though  now  in  vile  corruption  found, 


196  HEAVEN  :  OR,  THE    EVERLASTING    REST. 

Shall  truly  thence  spring  up  again, 
And  deck  with  green  the  life-clad  plain  ! 

So  shall  this  frame,  despoiled  by  death, 
Once  feel  Christ's  all-reviving  breath — 
Awake  from  this  its  couch  of  clay, 
And  reign,  restored,  in  endless  day  I 

The  rescued  one,  in  glory  found, 
With  peerless  beauty  there  is  crowned  ; 
And  who,  with  human  skill,  can  paint 
The  rapture  of  the  risen  saint  ! 


HEAVEN  :   OR,  THE  EVERLASTING  REST. 

There  is  a  Home  than  all  more  sweet, 
With  life  divine — with  bliss  replete  ; 
A  Home  for  which  my  spirit  longs, 
Secure,  enriched  with  sacred  songs  ; 
Where  Faith  and  Love  most  sweetly  blend, 
Where  friend  communion  holds  with  friend! 

'Tis  found  where  saints  in  rapture  meet, 
Where  spirits  pure  such  spirits  greet ; 
Where  robed  in  splendor  Jesus  reigns, 
And  angels  chant  their  lofty  strains, 
Where  God,  enthroned,  exalted  sits — 
And,  grateful,  each  to  Him  submits  ! 

'Tis  found  where  all  is  love  aud  peace, 
Where  triumphs  full  redeeming  grace  ; 
Where  saints,  adoring,  lowly  bend, 
And  songs  of  praise  to  Christ  ascend  ; 
Where  shining  hosts  before  Him  fall 
And  crown  Jehovah — Lord  of  all  ! 


